masking/stencils that hold up to nitro

[dmraco]

I am planning on doing some stencils on a build for someone.  I need stars and letters.  I am looking for something that will hold up to nitro.  My fear is I buy a letter and the nitro will shrink and or dissolve the area.

Thanks

 

[Cagey]

I wouldn't worry about the stencil as much as the adhesive.

You might try calling around to some of the automotive finishing shops and see what they have or know about. 3M specializes in tapes that are resistant to solvents like acetone.

 

[dmraco]

I wouldn't worry about the stencil as much as the adhesive.

You might try calling around to some of the automotive finishing shops and see what they have or know about. 3M specializes in tapes that are resistant to solvents like acetone.

thanks.  I am actually going to use it as a masking.  I want to place the letters...spray over them and remove.  I just do not want them to shrink.  I am going to buy a few and try them out and see how they react.

BTW.../i am using nitro.

 

[Cagey]

I know you're using nitro - it's reduced with acetone (lacquer thinner) - which is a pretty wicked solvent. Adhesives and plastics are often dissolved by it. That's why you want something designed to withstand that, lest it get under the edges and make for blurry lines. Again, 3M specializes in that sort of thing, but you're not likely to find it at your typical hardware. The automotive paint shops are most familiar with it. You might want to cruise through some of the Google links here for some clues. I've had good luck with their 218 series tape. Highly temperature and solvent resistant, flexible, thin... nice stuff.

 

[dmraco]

I know you're using nitro - it's reduced with acetone (lacquer thinner) - which is a pretty wicked solvent. Adhesives and plastics are often dissolved by it. T

dude...you telling me.  I was temporarilly storing some blue tinted nitro in an "incorrect" type of plastic cup.  I came back to the bench and sound a puddle.    :sad:

 

[Cagey]

Hehe! Yeah, that can happen. I'm not a materials engineer or chemist, so I always just use glass - no worries.

Glass containers are easy enough to come by - just save the jars from condiments and sauces you get from the grocery. They're not perfect, as the lids may have seals that won't tolerate acetone, but in my experience they're usually ok for at least short-term storage. When you're done with the sweet relish or pimentos, toss the jar/lid in the dishwasher and you're good to go. 16oz-24oz sized spaghetti sauce jars are good for larger quantities like you'd want for mixing a spray batch.

 

[dmraco]

Hehe! Yeah, that can happen. I'm not a materials engineer or chemist, so I always just use glass - no worries.

Glass containers are easy enough to come by - just save the jars from condiments and sauces you get from the grocery. They're not perfect, as the lids may have seals that won't tolerate acetone, but in my experience they're usually ok for at least short-term storage. When you're done with the sweet relish or pimentos, toss the jar/lid in the dishwasher and you're good to go. 16oz-24oz sized spaghetti sauce jars are good for larger quantities like you'd want for mixing a spray batch.

me too. 

I have found the auto body shops have containers with markings and ratios marked on the side 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5....and so on.  Makes it real nice with adding your thinner.  Best thing is they do not melt. 

Reminds me of scene is breaking bad with the acid.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hUFbOAIWjJM

 

[Cagey]

I remember that scene.

Excellent series.

 

[Miotch]

Use a light mist coat first.  Then a second slightly heavier mist coat second.  You reduce the chances of what you are afraid of that way.  On a warm, dry day, the mist coats will usually dry before the solvents can do any damage.  Once you have a couple of mist coats, your odds are also better the later heavier coats won't melt all the way and damage your masking.  Not guaranteeing this, but it is what I usually do with lacquer or aircraft dope (essentially lacquer).

 

[dmraco]

Use a light mist coat first.  Then a second slightly heavier mist coat second.  You reduce the chances of what you are afraid of that way.  On a warm, dry day, the mist coats will usually dry before the solvents can do any damage.  Once you have a couple of mist coats, your odds are also better the later heavier coats won't melt all the way and damage your masking.  Not guaranteeing this, but it is what I usually do with lacquer or aircraft dope (essentially lacquer).

This is what I did.  Worked perfect.  Thanks