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Automotivetouch

How to Use Automotive Masking Tape

Automotive masking is used to prevent paint , primer , or clear coat from getting onto unwanted parts of the vehicle. Masking is an important step toward getting a professional-looking paint repair, and it's easy to master how to mask a car for painting with step-by-step instructions and practice. Let our experts show you how the pros mask off a car for a paint project.

Products used in this video

3/4" 3m Green Auto Grade Masking Tape

3/4" 3m Green Auto Grade Masking Tape

$3.99

High-quality automotive touch-up paint for professional results.

1 1/2" 3m Green Auto Grade Masking Tape

1 1/2" 3m Green Auto Grade Masking Tape

$5.49

High-quality automotive touch-up paint for professional results.

Pre-taped Masking Film with Dispenser 21"x108'

Pre-taped Masking Film with Dispenser 21"x108'

$8.95

High-quality automotive touch-up paint for professional results.

How to Mask for Painting Like a Professional

Auto body professionals typically use a method called back taping when they're using automotive masking tape to prep a vehicle for painting. This protects adjacent panels from overspray and avoids sharp paint lines where the new paint meets the old paint. When done correctly, back taping leads to a factory-like finish, making it a critical step in any high-quality automotive painting project.