How to put BMF trim on a vinyl top?

[Kit Basher]

Specifically, I'm working on a Porsche 914. Once the top has been textured, how do you get smooth BMF on the trim. Or do you trim first, then texture the top? The trim on this kit is pretty faint to start with, and it goes around most of the "roll bar", and on part of the Targa top. Any help greatly appreciated!

[Hi-Po]

You might try masking off the trim using narrow/thin masking tape or a liquid masking agent such as Micro Scale Micro Mask.  After you have applied the texture, remove the masking and apply the BMF as usual.

[NOBLNG]

You might be able to foil it first then wipe the paint off of the foil similar to the method used on script.

http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/152097-bare-metal-foil-small-writing/

 

[StevenGuthmiller]

56 minutes ago, NOBLNG said:

You might be able to foil it first then wipe the paint off of the foil similar to the method used on script.

http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/152097-bare-metal-foil-small-writing/

 

That’s the technique I used on my ‘68 Dodge.

 

 

 

Steve

 

[Kit Basher]

3 hours ago, NOBLNG said:

You might be able to foil it first then wipe the paint off of the foil similar to the method used on script.

http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/152097-bare-metal-foil-small-writing/

 

I thought about that and it may be the best option. It would require a steady hand and a fair amount of time, but I think it might work. Is that how you do your vinyl tops?

[Kit Basher]

2 hours ago, StevenGuthmiller said:

That’s the technique I used on my ‘68 Dodge.

 

 

 

Steve

 

Thanks, Steve, I was hoping you'd chime in. Did you paint the body first, or the roof?

[StevenGuthmiller]

1 hour ago, Kit Basher said:

Thanks, Steve, I was hoping you'd chime in. Did you paint the body first, or the roof?

The roof was the last thing.

The body was completely painted and polished first.

Then the foil, followed by the vinyl top.

I will confess that I masked off some of the window trim prior to painting the top and foiling and then foiled it afterwards, but much of it, such as the drip rails, were foiled prior to paint and cleaned off afterwards.

Sometimes there are no set rules.

You just have to assess the situation and use whatever technique appears to have the best chance of success for a particular situation.

I’ll use every tool that is at my disposal to achieve the best results possible.

 

 

 

Steve

[NOBLNG]

2 hours ago, Kit Basher said:

I thought about that and it may be the best option. It would require a steady hand and a fair amount of time, but I think it might work. Is that how you do your vinyl tops?

No…I have painted the roof gloss black, foil the trim, then clear coat the entire vehicle, then mask and spray flat clear on the roof. I have also cleared the entire car, foil, more clear, mask and spray the flat clear.

Edited September 27, 2023 by NOBLNG

[Kit Basher]

9 hours ago, StevenGuthmiller said:

I’ll use every tool that is at my disposal to achieve the best results possible

Steve

That is obvious from the quality of your models.

Many thanks, gentlemen, for the advice. I will take your suggestions and do the best I can.