Have you ever wondered how you can strip your windows while protecting areas around them?

In this tutorial we cover how to use pre taped masking film to mask the area around an exterior bungalow window.

The methods here are the same as for other areas around the house e.g. Doors.

Step 1:

Mask the sides and top

Tape right up against the edge and around the area to be stripped. Make sure the tape is pressed down firmly to ensure it stays stuck. Unfold the masking film to the desired width, the size we’re using here is 550mm wide. The film will stick to the surface you touch it to, but can fall off if its gets exposed to strong drafts, so its best to secure it around the edges with pieces of masking tape.

Step 2:

Mask bottom area

Mask the area underneath the area being stripped with wide masking film. This protects the area under the project and makes it easy to clean up after you finish. Use the same techniques for masking as in step 1. The size we’re using here is 2400mm wide. Note: If the ground under the masking is strippable e.g. Stained Deck, Painted concrete, it’s advisable to use and additional layer of protection incase of small tears caused by ladders, stones stuck to shoes etc. An extra layer of masking, Polythene sheeting or Newspaper should work well. Ready!

Notes:

  • The type of surfaces that are likely to be damaged by Cooper’s Stripper or Flusher are paint, varnish, stain, powder coating, car paint, plastic casings (meter cabinets, door bells, etc).
  • The longer masking tape is left on, the stickier it becomes, potentially damaging the protected surface when it is removed. Apply masking tape just before stripping starts and remove immediately after stripping is complete.
  • Masking tape is Stripper Resistant, NOT proof, use a shield when applying Stripper next to a masked off area, an absorbent piece of cardboard is ideal for most situations.
    • When applying Stripper to a masked area ensure you hold a shield in such a way that the over spray from the trigger can not get on the masking tape.
    • If the Stripper gets on the tape, wipe it away with a dry cloth as the Stripper could work its way around the tape and damage the surface being protected.
    • When using the Flusher a shield is generally not required.
    • When wiping residues from the surface also wipe away any liquid that is on the tape.