Why paint then cut???

[Dan J]

Hi-
I've seen a lot of bodies that have chipping around the holes that were cut after a paintjob. Why not cut first and paint afterwards? It would make cutting holes a lot easier since you'd be able to see post holes and wheel locations, so obviously there's a reason it's done afterwards. So, what is it?

Thanks,
dan

[death_rx78]

i think that many painters paint then cut because if there is a nice paintwork it would give the paint job more flow.

that my opinion

[Dan J]

So there's no reason not to cut it first then.

[gene465]

Just personal preference Dan, it is easier to mask/cut etc, with the body not cut it keeps the scheme flowing downfall is taking the chance on scratching chipping the body. Cutting first prevents this and is fine as long as there is a protective layer on the outside of the body as it is easier when it is cut to get overspray on the outside. I have tried it both ways and now prefer to leave it uncut until painted especially if using liquid mask.

[JamminJay]

Well, first piece of advice i can give you is this .... buy a OLFA circle cutter it does wonders for wheel wells and cooling holes. I used to always chip the paint trying to cut them with scissors too. from there it's pure preference. I don't do it like most painters do. i trim the whole bottom of the body out first including wheel wells, then set it where it needs to go on the car, and mark the post holes, exhaust port, fuel tank access, etc. with a sharpie on the outside(usually theres a protective film anyways. if not a lil fuel or body cleaner will remove the sharpie and any over-spray. then I mask my windows and anything else, then paint...... Thats just how I do it.. @ssbacwards I know :eek:

[Dan J]

I was thinking about overspray but forgot to mention it. I thought about putting a layer or two of liquid mask on the outside where overspray is possible. I already have a circle cutter (windshield holes) so I'm good there.

Thanks folks,
dan

[HauntedMyst]

Lots of us cut first and then paint. Painting first and then cutting as far as I can tell started because bodies didn't have overspray film so you'd end up getting paint on the outside of the body if you cut out the wheels. With the advent of overspray film, there is no need to paint first and then cut unless that's your preference. You can cut the body, leave the film on and then paint.

[Dan J]

HM,
On your tips page you list it as something to do after painting. Since it's ok to trim before painting do you think maybe that should be changed? And, thank you for that tip page, it been very, very helpful.

dan

[Courtney]

I just painted my first body and I don't have a stand to hold my body while painting. Since my hands are not big enough to palm my vehicle by the window(like a basketball) while I'm painting it I like that it has the wide edge to it. This gives me a place to hold the body while I paint. I don't ever think I will cut then paint until I get a stand to hold the body in to free up my other hand.

Besides that was if some of the film that's on the vehicle gets scrapped or exposed it may cause me to get paint on the outside of the body. There goes that nice shine. Besides that the wide strip around the body helps contain alot of the spray so I don't make a mess on the ground or wall that is behind my project.

Of course I still cut my body out with some curved scissors, a dremel, and a hobby knife while the inside was a bit tacky. Maybe that helped with no chipping. I did scrap a small area on the inside that showed while doing this though which wouldn't have happened if I cut the body first.

[scud4984]

i painted my second body,(one that came with car got ruined),,, me missus picked the colour(im colour blind),,, i ended up with,wot isee it as,, A FRIGGIN PINK PIRATE MT SPORT lol

[MaxxThrasher]

Probably the main reason bodies are still painted 1st before they are cut is the fact that these bodies fit various vehicles and are being sold. It is then left up to the customer to cut the body to fit their particular vehicle.

Other then that, as said there is no reason not to cut the body before painting.

[Cosmo]

Overspray is the main reason. Also, when tape masking, I always start and finish the strip of tape in the wheel well (the area to be cut out) so that way if they ends don't line up exactly, that part will be cut out anyways.

[Dan J]

I think I'll be cutting first and then masking the outside where necessary. It goes well with making things easier :p

Courtney,
I think if I was using a paint can I'd leave the body together, but I should be able to get in closer with the airbrush.

Thanks,
dan

[Courtney]

I should be able to get in closer with the airbrush.

Thanks,
dan

Well aren't you special.
:p :p :p :p

You old timers got to rub it in don't you. I need to start looking for an airbrush for my next body.

Seriously Dan, Do you use a stand when painting? I think that will make a big difference on precutting or not also.

[adrcracing]

[QUOTE=Courtney]I just painted my first body and I don't have a stand to hold my body while painting. Since my hands are not big enough to palm my vehicle by the window.

Sometimes I use 3" masking tape rolled up backwards to tape the outside of a body to the inside of my paint both so I will have two hands free to paint. I guess you could tape the body to an old box or anything.

[Kuya]

For me, I find the best way to go is to trim everything but the wheel wells because some designs cross over the wells and just to keep things level and all. And after painting, just remove the wells with the circle cutter. No mess, no fuss. Then again, to each his/her own. Do what you feel comfortable with.

[Dan J]

Well aren't you special.
:p :p :p :p

You old timers got to rub it in don't you. I need to start looking for an airbrush for my next body.

Seriously Dan, Do you use a stand when painting? I think that will make a big difference on precutting or not also.
My experience level with painting is probably lower than yours, but you can call me an old-timer because I'm probably older than you ;) Oh, and I wasn't bragging about the AB, rather, I was just pointing out what might be an important difference in our equipment :)

I do plan on building a holder for the body but not until after I get good enough to justify spending any more money.

dan