Varnish Question...

[gbanker]

What tape are you using when you varnish? I will be varnishing in the Caribbean and want the tape to hold up for a couple of days so that I can put on multiple coats. In addition to being sanded around the tape might get wet due to a passing shower. Thanks

[cabo_sailor]

Most of the time I use 3M blue long mask (#2090), here in south Florida I would imagine similar conditions. It is recommended by Rebecca Whittman, author of The Brightwork Companion, that it come off every 3 days for sharp edges. Being basically lazy, I might let it go for a day or two longer if the weather isn't in the 90's.

I've read you can also use plastic electrical tape but the few times I've tried it a bunch of the adhesive was left behind for cleanup.

Rich

[James S]

I use normal brown masking tape and its ok up to three or four days.
That gets two coats on.
The only sanding I do on or around it is wet sanding at around 700 grit.

[mikereed100]

When Practical Sailor looked at masking tape they found that black electrician's tape worked the best and was also cheapest. I have not tested this out as I do not varnish but might be worth a try.

Mike

[David M]

I never even thought of using electricians tape. Where did Practical Sailor find it for so cheap? I think that's a great idea for making sharply curved lines.

I would think it would be hard to get a straight line with electricians tape...its so flexible. Its also pretty narrow. When I need long straight lines I use the wide blue tape. Its pretty cheap at places like Home Depot.

[chrisjs]

I use the green masking tape purchased in the automotive aisle at Walmart!! Auto tape is much less then marine tape - both made by 3M for identical applications!!

Chris

[David M]

Originally Posted by chrisjs

I use the green masking tape purchased in the automotive aisle at Walmart!! Auto tape is much less then marine tape - both made by 3M for identical applications!!

Chris

Shhhhhhh! West Marine, et al, does not want people to know this!

[BadFish]

I'd use wide blue masking tape. The wider it is, the more room you have for error. Just make sure you clean the surface before putting the tape down, or you'll have problems with it sticking.


Cheers

Bill

[chrisjs]

The green tape adheres better and provides a sharper edge line than the blue, while still being easily removable for several days.

Chris

[captintommy]

A friend (new to boating) was taping his teak using Walmart blue tape. I told him that he needed to use 3M tape to insure that the tape would not leave adhesive on the gel coat. He abandoned the Walmart tape and finished the work with the more expensive 3M tape.
When it came time to remove the tape I was embarrassed to see him remove the Walmart tape in one piece, while the 3M stuck, tore and left residue of adhesive.
My advice cost me a six-pack and several hours of labor helping to remove 3m tape to salvage a friendship.

Use the Walmart tape.

[BlueWaterSail]

I found the same thing - the blue tape left lots of adhesive residue on my polished white cabin top after being in place for a few days - expected it to come off a lot cleaner.

BWS