Masking tape to take a compound curve

[JimC]

Is there a type of masking tape which will take a curve in its own plane, as required when masking the waterline passing under an overhanging stern. The only way I've found of negotiating this is as a series of short straights which is bothersome and messy.

 

[jasperthedog]

I've done it in the past using narrow masking first, 5mm if you can still get it if not ten. It's easier to follow a curve.
And then mask half way with standard 25mm which can now bunch up where needed.

 

[Praxinoscope]

Aparently there is now a ‘flexible’ masking tape on the market that will follow curves, haven’t tried it yet, but will certainly try it .

 

[Aquanaught]

I use Tesa 4319 Masking Tape for curves - available on Amazon - works well and will follow the curve of the overhang. It's a bit pricy but a roll will last years as of corse you only need a short section.

 

[robmcg]

→ Fine Line Masking Tape | From 6p / Metre | Cheap

This type of stuff will take a fairly tight radius. I have used it successfully for painting the hull stripe. Leaves a nice crisp line. Available from lots of places. Actually bought mine off eBay.

 

[Poignard]

tesa® Masking Curves

Marvellous stuff.

 

[Martin_J]

I used curve masking tape for that task twenty five years ago... it's a sort of wrinkly looking tape.

If you want some and can't wait for mail order, maybe try Halfords..



A close up shows the wrinkles..

 

[neilf39]

Green frog tape does the compound curves on my hull as it will stretch enough.

 

[Neeves]

Personally if its an overhanging stern I would simply bodge it with short lengths of standard tape. The idea of searching out and then buying spacial tape for an area no-one will see seems perverse. Antifouling should not be lifted to the levels of rocket science. Paint, get it back in the water - go sailing.

However Bunnings, whom you all know well, sell here - rolls and rolls of different tape and some of it is 3mm wide (which is what you want) but you would need to overlap the tape with something wider. We have obviously never bothered.

Jonathan

 

[dankilb]

Neeves is right - you need thinner tape for the curve - we used the 18mm version of this to mask our stern (which almost comes to a radiused ‘point’) last winter: Kip Fineline Washi-Tec Blue UV Resistant Washi Masking Tape 3307

 

[JimC]

Thanks everyone for your input. I've just tried some pvc insulating tape and found that I could coax it round the curve without wrinkling or tucks, I'll have to check that it can withstand A/F and epoxy primer.

 

[Solent sailer]

I have used pvc insulation tape, seems to work ok

 

[johnalison]

I just bodge mine, though I have seen the flexible stuff for sale at B&Q. The curved parts on my waterline are inconspicuous or hidden under the stern, so it hasn’t seem worth bothering, but I note that the one shown needs to be removed within three hours. My experience with leaving standard tape on too long suggests that this should be ‘adhered’ to.

 

[alahol2]

Never had a problem using the 24mm 3M Scotchblue tape from Screwfix. Perhaps the curve under the stern is not as acute but I always use a single length of tape bow to stern. This tape doesn't mind staying on overnight either.