Shadowline -- remove strips, or just mask?

[87Blue325iC]

There is almost no possible way to scour the chrome trim enough to get paint to stick to it well enough... you're better off just waiting until you can get your hands on some black trim.

I used sandpaper and scoured the trim with no problems - hit it with 5-6 light coats of SEM self-etch primer, then 8-10 very light coats of SEM Black Trim paint (trim was off the car)...been holding up fine for 6 months now, and part of the trim is constantly being rubbed by the 'vert top.

[MR 325]

There is almost no possible way to scour the chrome trim enough to get paint to stick to it well enough... you're better off just waiting until you can get your hands on some black trim.

I totally disagree.

[MR 325]

Also, when using the SEM trim paint - do you HAVE to use primer? Or, doesn't the trim paint just stick fine on it's own? I didn't think you were supposed to use the trim paint with primer, that it sticks to trim pieces just fine.

I used no primer when doing my shadowline. Just some scuff pads and sand paper.

Applied about 6 coats of paint and it still looks awesome today.

[onaquest]

I used no primer when doing my shadowline. Just some scuff pads and sand paper.

Applied about 6 coats of paint and it still looks awesome today.

How long has yours lasted?

[MR 325]

How long has yours lasted?

I don't remember when it was I did it but it's been over a year and a half for sure.

[Sean]

Anyone use that tape? I'm thinkin of usin it.

Maybe I'll be the first. I saw pictures of it on an E34, and it looked pretty damn good!


Here it is: http://vaxxine.com/gblawson/shadowline/shadowline.eht

[onaquest]

Anyone use that tape? I'm thinkin of usin it.

Maybe I'll be the first. I saw pictures of it on an E34, and it looked pretty damn good!


Here it is: http://vaxxine.com/gblawson/shadowline/shadowline.eht

it might look okay from a distance, but c'mon thats such a cop out

[Sean]

it might look okay from a distance, but c'mon thats such a cop out

You think so?

Well, I think the pics show it looks pretty decent up close.

Technically, the tape would probably last longer than the paint, since it won't chip, only peel. Although, who knows?

The only reason I'm considering it is because using that blackout tape is something I could do in one afternoon in someone's drive way. Given the fact that I'm leaving for school on Friday, and just don't have the time to mess with getting my chrome trim black - I won't have a garage at school, and may not even have a driveway. So, it's gotta be somethin I can do in an afternoon. Don't know how it would work to leave my car in a parking lot with newspaper and tape on it. heh

You're right, it is kinda lame. But hey - it's easy, and I'm just wodnering if anyone has ever tried it. ;)

[trashcop 80s 80s]

You can buy that blackout tape at any parts store for cheap. Go get it and try it. If it sucks, take it off and then paint your trim.

[Sean]

You can buy that blackout tape at any parts store for cheap. Go get it and try it. If it sucks, take it off and then paint your trim.

That was my thought. ;)

[MR 325]

You can do the real SEM shadowline job in one day assuming you leave the trim on the car.

[Sean]

You can do the real SEM shadowline job in one day assuming you leave the trim on the car.

Hmm...well, I might give it a shot sometime then. But, that's to be seen. I gotta get to school first. heh

How many cans did you use, Matt? I'll have probably two and a half left after my bumpers and side trim.

[MR 325]

Hmm...well, I might give it a shot sometime then. But, that's to be seen. I gotta get to school first. heh

How many cans did you use, Matt? I'll have probably two and a half left after my bumpers and side trim.

I think it was like 1.5 cans.

[formula driver]

it might look okay from a distance, but c'mon thats such a cop out

Not true, at all! The tape looks very good. Its got a nice satin look to it, its easy to do so its deffinatly worth it. I used the stuff twice. Its pretty easy to do but it peals at the edges and around the curves. It would be very easy to clean the stuff off after you got sick of it. Mine held up for a few months before it started pealing and I didnt do the best job possible. Im painting my trim now though. Its all been removed from the car(not difficult) and Im sanding the shit out of it to make sure it doesnt chip. Im using 120 grit and finishing with 220. Im than using an adhesion promoter, self etching primer and SEM trim paint. This is the best way to do it in my opinion. Ive painted the trim on the car, used the tape stuff, and now Im removing the trim. Im spending quite a bit of time sanding so I hope it holds up fine.

-Paul