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 interior bungalow window.
The methods here are the same as for other areas in the house e.g. Door Jambs, Skirting boards, Stair cases etc.
Step 1:
Protect delicate surfaces
Stripper grade pre-taped masking film is high tac. If the area you are masking is a delicate surface e.g. fine grained wallpaper, fresh paint etc, it’s a good idea to mask first using a low tac safe release masking tape, and then go over it with pre taped masking film. This reduces the chance of causing damage later when you remove the masking.
Step 2:
Mask the sides and top
Now 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 safe release masking tape.
Step 3:
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 2. The size we’re using here is 2400mm wide. Note: If the floor under the masking is delicate and Strippable e.g. Polyurethane, 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, powder coating, wallpaper, linoleum, carpet, plastic casings (light switch’s, TV cabinets 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.