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Do you tape off edges or just freehand? Here's my debate.
I spent 5 years freehanding paint lines on every job I did at my shop in Phoenix. Thought I was fast and it looked good enough. Then I had a customer point out a wavy edge on a 2018 Civic door last month. Made me tape off that same door and redo it to show them the difference. Now I'm torn because taping takes twice as long but the lines are cleaner. Other repairers in here, do you tape everything or just certain panels?
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richard_wells591mo agoMost Upvoted
Oh boy here we go. Tape vs freehand is like the Ford vs Chevy debate of body shops. You spend years thinking you're the fastest guy in town then one customer with a laser eye ruins your whole confidence. I tape everything now but I cheat with a light spray tack to hold the tape down. Saves me from looking like a drunk toddler with a paint gun. Freehand is for people who don't have to sleep at night knowing their lines are squiggly. You're not torn buddy you're just realizing you've been living a lie. Tape it up and thank that customer later.
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kelly_coleman611mo ago
still thinking you're the fastest guy in town then one customer with a laser eye ruins your whole confidence" ... man, that hit me right in the gut. One customer with a flashlight and suddenly I'm questioning everything I've done for five years.
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