How to Mask a Car for Primer Application

How to Mask a Car for Primer Application

 

Reverse masking or primer masking is a technique used to eliminate a hard line when priming a car's repair area. Learn the steps to take and the products to use when completing this part of the collision repair process.

 

Step 1: Clean the car's repair area


First, clean the car's repair area with a compliant cleaner recommended by the paint manufacturer.

Preferred Products:

  • REVvive by RSG Surface Degreaser (66623391009)
  • DeVilbiss Paint Prep Wipes (803657)
 cleaning the car's repair area

 

Step 2: reverse mask the car's repair area


Firmly apply the taped edge of the paper at least 6" - 12" from the repair area. Flip the masking paper back, exposing a soft tapered edge and apply a piece of masking tape on the outer edge to hold it in place. This will prevent a hard primer edge and protect the adjacent area.

 

Preferred Products:

 reverse masking the car's repair area

 

Step 3: apply sheeting to prevent overspray

 

After reverse masking, apply plastic overspray sheeting to protect the remainder of the vehicle. Using a razor blade, cut an opening in the overspray sheeting to expose the repair area.

 

To secure the overspray sheeting to the masking paper, use 1-1/2"- 2" masking tape.

Preferred Products:

  • Norton Blue Sheeting - 16' x 350' (63642503345)
  • American Brand OM Masking Tape - 1 1/2" (08714300308)
  • American Brand OM Masking Tape - 2" (08714300309)
 applying plastic overspray sheeting

Applying plastic overspray sheeting.

 

securing the overspray sheeting

Securing the overspray sheeting to the masking paper

 

Step 4: priming the car

 

The repair area is now ready to prime. Refer to the paint manufacturer’s procedure for primer application. 

 repair area ready to be primed

 

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