Masking up

To properly mask up all the coach lines, handrails and all the details on a traditional narrowboat can take most of the day. You don,t want to be distracted while doing this as a mistake can set you back days. Hence you will almost always be greeted by our answerphone when you call, sorry about that!
We use various guides and patterns cut from hardboard to mark out the coach lines and motifs on the boat. Wax pencils, a wooden folding ruler and an old fashioned compass are the weapons of choice. Then its masking tape of various types, standard low tack in 1" and 2", a special one for the long straight bits (which I am keeping to myself), and a flexible one for the curves. All available from automotive body shop suppliers or boat paint suppliers. If you are doing the job outside you need special masking tape.