Masking For Clear and Blue Clear Coats

[Pierre Delecto]

I have a project where I want to have tinted poly and clear poly on the same piece made out of ash using vinyl masking templates to separate the clear from the blue. I am using water-based poly for both coats and I'm sanding down to 220. I've tried applying a few coats of clear poly (sanding in between) and then applying vinyl stencils for the dyed coat. In some cases there is some bleeding under the stencils in the grain of the wood, so I am not starting with a flat/sealed surface. I've tried regular vinyl and adhesive vinyl with the same result. I recently tried with 7 coats of poly (sanding in between coats) before applying the tinted poly and got the same result. I'm thinking about applying a de-waxed shellac, then applying the vinyl mask, then applying the tinted poly. If that works, then I can apply a clear poly over top of the whole thing. Any advice? Thanks.

 

[tjbnwi]

Try Frog tape. Apply the tape to follow the template. Spary the edge of the Frog tape with water, this activates the sealing agant in the Frog tape. Apply the template over the from tape.

Hope this works, all I got.

Tom

 

[Don Corleone]

I had to re-register...the forums would register me properly with my normal email address - dunno why.

Anyhow, thanks for the reply, but I can't use frog tape. The stencils need to be exact and I have a vinyl cutter that makes them. I wonder if I can get a gel stain tinted. Maybe the viscosity of the gel stain will keep it from bleeding underneath.

 

[wakyct]

I don't know if this would work with a clear finish but a common technique when painting a stencil onto a painted wall is to paint the edges of the stencil lightly with the background color first, letting it dry and effectively seaiing the edge of the stencil, then the stencil color covers that bit of background color. Perhaps you could clear poly the edges of the stencil, let it dry, then apply the tinted poly. Though I suspect with a clear finish the border won't be as smooth/flat as desired.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Is  poly seeping under the stencil edge view the wood grain or is the adhesion of the psa stencil inadequate? If the seal is poor are you burnishing the edge well enough?

PSA stands for pressure sensitive meaning the harder you press the more it sticks.

 

[deepcreek]

Spray the edge of the Frog tape with water, this activates the sealing agent in the Frog tape.

I did not know this but it makes sense.  Thanks for the tip.

 

[tjbnwi]

Spray the edge of the Frog tape with water, this activates the sealing agent in the Frog tape.

I did not know this but it makes sense.  Thanks for the tip.

You're welcome----as my childern always remind me-----"dad, you're full of so much usless information" I'll get even with them when they have to change my diapers.....

Tom