Painters Tape safe for weeks at a time?

[JaYson]

Wondering if anyone else has some insight on this matter,
I'm going for a road trip from Ontario to BC and back.
Its going to be about 10,000KM over 30days.

I'm thinking i should probably painters tape the front of my car to protect it, but I've got a few concerns

1) if I use the 60day blue painters tape, will it not have enough adhesion and end up peeling off while I'm on the highway? should i stick with the 14day painters tape and change it twice?

2) Will the painters tape end up damaging my cars paint as a result of leaving the tape on for 2 weeks or more at a time? I'm wondering if the heat from the engine and the sun will cause the tape to adhere a little too much.


any thoughts, suggestions, ideas?


Thanks all

[mazdatrois]

doesn't it look ugly with the tape? like using your new phone but shrink wrap it?

[JaYson]

yeah it wont be pretty...but neither will thousands of stone chips....
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/184/441357312_00e7e62115.jpg

[eguiyab]

why not have a clear protective film/bra put on it?
it will last much longer and better than painters tape, and still work even after your trip.
I dont think it should take to long honestly, might be about the same amount of time it takes you to tape up the front end.

[cwp_sedan]

why not have a clear protective film/bra put on it?
it will last much longer and better than painters tape, and still work even after your trip.
I dont think it should take to long honestly, might be about the same amount of time it takes you to tape up the front end.

I would assume cost is a big factor in all of this, that's why he is asking about tape and not a clear bra.

An alternative would be an actual leather bra from Mazda.

[essaarcee]

I would assume cost is a big factor in all of this, that's why he is asking about tape and not a clear bra.

An alternative would be an actual leather bra from Mazda.

But the bra from mazda is not so cheap either. WHen i inquired for my 2010 M3, i was told around $190+tax.
For around the same price or bit more you can get the clear bra...but however that wont cover the bumper (the mazda bra would). Clear bra with bumper included will be way more costly.

[eguiyab]

true, i can definitely understand the cost factor.
If the car was brand new, which im assuming it is... it may be a good excuse to have it done.
But on the flip side, if its strictly protection for this trip. Maybe just tape it up during the long haul back and forth? Unmask it once your in the city and travelling around BC?
Or is this a multistop trip? The tape my not look very attractive, but should get the job done.
In terms of it not coming off on the highway, I would suggest to make sure no seams will face direct contact, so start at the back of the hood and work forward.

[Default User]

painters tape is good for about 8 hours - some upto 24

after that - the adhesive builds up too strong, and is a PITA to get off without scratching the paint.
Somebody mentioned they used saran wrap also - but I figured it would melt.

[JaYson]

thats exactly what i was concerned about...that the sun and heat would make the glue set into the surface paint....crud
that is really unfortunate....damn...sounds like my cars going to be peppered with stone chips ....crap...

and yes. cost is an issue, im spending a cool 2K on this road trip as it is, so i don't have the cash to drop on a clear bra...i was looking for something temporary, which would provide some protection over the next 30days

[stevenma188]

Alhope did this to his MS3 last winter. He should be able to give you better insight.

[Default User]

buy a roll of automotive vinyl
seeing as it would look better than masking tape

[JaYson]

know where i can buy a roll of automotive vinyl?