GMC tailgate lettering paint and masking.
 

Hello, we are in the stage of finally putting some color on my 72 c15. We attempted to paint the tailgate spraying the white first then letter were then taped with 3m blue pinstripe tape(note sure the exact name) as well as outlined the indented part. We then masked off the white and sprayed the green. While we were painting we notice the pinstripe tape started to pull off and well we we're screwed from there. My question is there a better tape to use? Better technique? How was this done at the factory? Any helps appreciated guys!

Re: GMC tailgate lettering paint and masking.
 

Phot below

Re: GMC tailgate lettering paint and masking.
 

It dont look to bad from the pic.

Is it the misty corners and the little bit in the "g"? Is that the problem?

I painted mine almost the same way you did but i used wide blue masking tape and slowly and gently cut the letters out with a sharp xcato knife.

It worked out pretty good that way.

I remember somebody here has their gate brush stripped around the letters and i think around the indentation.

That looked pretty good, and might help clean up some ugly edges.:devil:

Re: GMC tailgate lettering paint and masking.
 

The factory used a stencil. I mask with wide tape and cut it out.

Re: GMC tailgate lettering paint and masking.
 

Wish I could fine a stencil lol. I tried gently cutting with a razor blade but could see cut marks on the white. Might purchase an cacti. I know it won't be perfect but I want it to look as close to original as possible.

Re: GMC tailgate lettering paint and masking.
 

I've always assumed that the factory used a stencil. Has anyone ever seen a picture of one of them? Any production photos of the tailgate lettering being painted?

Re: GMC tailgate lettering paint and masking.
 

Subscribed as I'm going to paint soon and need to know the proper technique. I have the vinyl "Chevrolet" letters. I was hoping to shoot color (white) where the letters were, and then cover with the vinyl letters and shoot body color. Hoping to peel the vinyl off, and then clear everything. ????

Re: GMC tailgate lettering paint and masking.
 

When I was young and had time on my hands I shot a gate white, masked with 1/8" tape, and then masked to that tape, shot the black and then cleared the whole thing. I can't remember what brand tape, but it worked good.

Re: GMC tailgate lettering paint and masking.
 

That is how I did mine also. You have to stretch the pin stripe tape a little to get it to lay right and then you have to make sure and press the edges down. I didn't lay the masking tape on top and then trim. I just used the edge of the pin stripe tape.

Attachment 1658529

Attachment 1658530

I also tried to lay the tape on the flat surface and not the raised letter edge.

Re: GMC tailgate lettering paint and masking.
 

Bottom line is, most of us want it a lot better than they were originally.

I bought a 72 Cheyenne new, Orange and White deluxe two tone. Took it to the car wash and blew a whole bunch of the orange off. they sprayed the white first and then the color. The color did not bond at all. Warranty repaired it.