<< This should get away from the fuzzy edges. >>
Dear Listers,
Not too long ago, I put together an article about painting and marking, and
although it refers to trailers, the technique is relevant to any MV. Here's
an extract from the article....hope it helps.....
Kind regards
Ken
STENCIL MARKING
One of the best ways to do this is to use ordinary white paper (typing etc
paper). Use your computer, or get your next door neighbour, to print out the
letters/numbers that you need, in the size that you want. Using this printed
paper and a fine craft knife, cut out the letters/numbers carefully into the
required stencil. Make sure that you don't cut the table etc underneath.
Now hold the stencil to the panel that you intend to mark and make sure it is
in the right location, and is horizontal/vertical.......make sure that your
trailer is level otherwise you may end up applying the stencil at an
angle....... I've seen this error made many times. Now use small pieces of
masking tape to position the stencil to the panel...just use a small piece of
tape at each corner. Now use old newspaper to "surround" the stencil
completely....and tape the newspaper fully to the stencil so that over-spray
cannot reach the trailer body.
The final trick is this..... get a bowl of hot water and a cloth. Dunk the
cloth in the water, squeeze it out and then "dab" the stencil around the
numbers/letters. As the stencil becomes damp (NOT WET), the paper will
temporarily adhere to the panel, irrespective of the contour of the panel.
This will prevent over-spray getting under the stencil and making the letters
and numbers fuzzy- looking. Immediately before applying the white spray, use
a couple of dry tissues or kitchen towel and gently "dab" dry the area to be
painted. The stencil will remained "wetted" to the panel but the surface to
be painted will now be perfectly prepared for the paint application.
Spray lightly and allow the paint to dry thoroughly between coats. If you
rush it...you'll ruin it.
When you are completely satisfied with the finished job....allow the white
paint to dry hard.....then gently remove the stencil and newspaper. It should
be perfect.
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