Paint sequence for black trim

[HondaRacer1124]

Hi everybody.

I'm looking for opinions on the the best time to mask and paint the black mid body trim so common on 80s cars ( Ferrrari 308, Pontiac Fiero etc ). Also this would apply to window trims now.

The sequence is where I'm confused.

Do your clear coat then paint trim?

Would you polish first?

Thanks, Eric

[MrObsessive]

Ditto what Dave said, but I'll use BMF for masking off the areas I want to paint in black. It'll give a nice defining edge just as if you were using BMF for chrome. Tamiya's semi-gloss is a good paint, as well as a paint sold in some train shops called Polly Scale Engine Black which is what I use.

It has a very nice sheen which leaves no brush marks after you hand paint it.

HTH!