Striping Painting is a process that takes time and practice. With the right techniques, you can get crisp clean lines that are straight and even.

First, you need to prepare the wall for painting. Start by removing all furniture and wall hangings, and cover the floor with drop cloth. You’ll be glad you read this!

Preparation

Whether you are tackling a new lot striping job or doing some touch-ups, a little planning can make all the difference. This will help you to create an accurate layout, saving both time and materials. It will also help to minimize downtime for your customers and employees.

Begin by determining the type of stripes you want on your wall. Horizontal stripes can make a room feel wider, while vertical ones increase the perceived height of your ceilings. Once you’ve decided on the look, measure and mark the location of each stripe. Use a laser level to ensure your lines are straight.

During this preparation step, it is important to turn off any water sources like sprinklers. This will prevent the striping paint from being washed away and diluted. You will also need to remove any unauthorized parking vehicles. You should give your employees and customers notice that parking will be limited on the day of your striping painting project so they can make other arrangements.

Taping

In order to create crisp, clean stripe lines on a wall, it is recommended that you tape off your stripes before painting. Use a laser level to mark the pencil line that you want painted on the wall, then apply painter’s tape just above and below that. This will ensure that wet paint is not seeping beneath the tape and will leave you with clean, sharp edges for your design.

Eastwood offers a wide range of striping tapes, each designed for a specific purpose. Some tapes are more sensitive to harsh environments, while others have reduced adhesiveness for working on delicate surfaces or freshly painted walls. Tape size is also a consideration; narrower widths are better for masking tight spaces or corners.

Automotive Fine Line Pinstriping Masking Tape is pre-slit, so auto body technicians can easily pull out up to eight 1/16 inch strips to expose paintable areas. This helps them make two-tones, lowrider panel graphics, flames, and other custom designs. This tape features a film backing that won’t allow the paint to soak through, and the adhesive prevents bleed without leaving residue.

Painting

Most people don’t think twice about the lines on streets and parking lots, but they are crucial to safe driving and parking. The lines silently instruct vehicles where to go and what to do.

Line striping is a simple process, and most jobs don’t take long to complete. The amount of time may be affected by how quickly the specific type of paint dries, weather conditions, and the size of the lot.

For a crisp line, tape before painting. Use painter’s tape that adheres well and will stay in place. Paint over the tape edge with the base color to prevent paint bleeds. Then, remove the tape before it dries to avoid tearing and smudging your newly painted glossy stripes. Use a laser level to mark your line stripe lines, as compared to regular pencil lines that could be harder to cover and might smudge. It’s important to be meticulous when marking so that the finished product looks professional and accurate.

Finishing

Once the stripping process has been completed (and preferably after a couple of days), it’s time to start painting. Start by applying a base coat of the color you choose to your walls. Allow to dry and apply a second coat if needed.

After the base coat is complete, tape off the wall where you want to paint stripes. You’ll also need to mask around outlets, windows, and door frames. A 4-foot level can help you draw your lines on the wall. Be sure to use a good-quality painter’s tape that maintains a sharp edge while not damaging the surface.

When using a chemical stripping method, try to work from the top down instead of the bottom up. This will give you less exposure to toxins and reduce the chance of damaging the wood or finish underneath. If possible, spray the area with WD-40 before applying the stripper, this will usually soften the coating and make it easier to remove without damaging the car or truck’s finish. Continue reading the next article.