Paint question

[Beachside]

I just stripped and painted this Caloi Ultra Cruz frame. I'm going to use red paint on the headset and a few inches off the top and bottom tubes and was wondering if anyone has suggestions for taping off the tubes. This frame has the tubes going from round in the middle to almost oval as they go into the headset. What's the easiest way to get both sides to match. Thanks!

 

[outskirtscustoms]

Easiest way I have found is to cut out a pattern out of paper for your frame darts then after covering the frame in tape you trace it on either side flipping the template for the reverse side and trim accordingly.

 

[yoothgeye]

Easiest way I have found is to cut out a pattern out of paper for your frame darts then after covering the frame in tape you trace it on either side flipping the template for the reverse side and trim accordingly.

What he said, or realize you'll never see both sides at once. :wink:

 

[deorman]

Put tape all the way around the tube to locate your endings equally. Support the the frame in a plumb position and use calipers held level or plumb to transfer side to side and/or up and down points. Mark frame and pull tape off. Don't bother with a spirit bubble. Factory bikes are usually only eyeball close, if even that. :|

 

[outskirtscustoms]

Or the easy route buy the frame dart decals or masks on E-bay.

 

[Beachside]

I ended up taping two pieces together at a 90 degee angle and eyeballing it on the top of the tubes. The image makes the red look blotchy but it's not.