Chuck’s ST-1M “Surfcaster” build

[wokkaboy]

that's a tough one Chuck, so looking at the surfboard there is a blue 'sperm tail' shape over the white with a thin black border ?
Either way you have a truckload of masking to do, and it has to be done right or the paint will seep under the tape.
Is it worth considering get a signwriter to print the shape in adhesive vinyl ?
The hardest part will be the thin black border next to the blue.

[Chuck]

that's a tough one Chuck, so looking at the surfboard there is a blue 'sperm tail' shape over the white with a thin black border ?

Yep, that's the idea.

Either way you have a truckload of masking to do, and it has to be done right or the paint will seep under the tape. Is it worth considering get a signwriter to print the shape in adhesive vinyl? The hardest part will be the thin black border next to the blue.

Yep, a truckload! I really want to do this all myself rather than get something done externally so wouldn't look at getting something like vinyl. The only other thing I did think of was getting some pinstriping tape - thin black stuff - rather than painting, but I'm getting mixed messages when I look it up: some say it will react badly with the clear over the top, some say it's fine. I know I could do a test, which is probably what I should do anyway with whatever option I choose.

[Maddogm]

maybe look into guides for car/motorcycle painting? I know I've seen something similar done on a car show before so I'm sure you'll find something on youtube

[wokkaboy]

good idea Maddog,
@ Chuck I would ask a professional/automotive painter the best method. I haven't tried to paint a shape this intricate

[Zandit75]

How about just using a black pinstripe like auto-painters would use? Sure, it will sit a fraction higher than the paint, but that could be leveled out under clear coats.

[Chuck]

How about just using a black pinstripe like auto-painters would use? Sure, it will sit a fraction higher than the paint, but that could be leveled out under clear coats.

I had thought of that, but that's the one I'm getting mixed messages about re the way it will react with the clear - I'd have to try it first. I'm steering towards having a crack at spraying it - I did as Maddogm (thanks Maddogm!) suggested and looked at a few automotive detailer videos. Seems the trick is getting the masking really flush with the body to avoid any paint creep. On that basis I might do an extra coat of the white base and sand it a little more - not sure if 800 would take away the "tooth" for the next layers to adhere to though. And there's still the issue of the keyline over the top of the "join" or next to it!

[Simon Barden]

It might be worth checking out how much it would cost for a hot-rod pin-striping expert to paint the line on?

Otherwise possibly get some drafting film, draw the pin-striping line on that, use some low-tac spray glue to fix it to the surface, then cut out the stripe section with a scalpel. Clean off the glue in the gap, spray black, remove film, then clear off the rest of the glue before clear coating.

[Simon Barden]

Any keyline step should be taken care of by the clear coats.

[Chuck]

It might be worth checking out how much it would cost for a hot-rod pin-striping expert to paint the line on?

Cheers Simon, but I think - like many of us - I'd like to do it myself rather than use someone else!!

Otherwise possibly get some drafting film, draw the pin-striping line on that, use some low-tac spray glue to fix it to the surface, then cut out the stripe section with a scalpel. Clean off the glue in the gap, spray black, remove film, then clear off the rest of the glue before clear coating.

That's an interesting idea, but given the keyline must follow the paint masking I'll have already done I think I'd struggle to get it accurate off the body. Maybe I'm too concerned about the "ledge" that the blue will create on the white base, because the clear should hopefully cover that off as you (and Zandit) say. Perhaps I should just finish the blue, then reassess rather than worry about potential issues before I get to the pinstripe stage!

[Simon Barden]

Let the paint dry well, then a light wet sand with 1200 or 1500 grit wet and dry paper should knock off any high ridges.