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Automotive application guide

Pre-paint masking and automotive surface protection

Masking before painting is a key application in the automotive industry. It protects areas that must not be painted, prepares vehicles before entering the spray booth, creates clean finishes and achieves sharp lines for two-tone painting operations.

This use case concerns body shops, paint lines, manufacturers of painted plastic parts, equipment suppliers, touch-up departments, repair workshops and finishing areas. Depending on the application, the choice may be between fine-line tape, masking rolls, protective film, paper tape or high-temperature adhesive tape.

  • Protect large surfaces before painting
  • Create sharp boundaries between two colours
  • Follow curves, rounded edges and complex shapes
  • Mask lights, glazing, handles, seals or accessories
  • Withstand spray booth temperatures according to the product used
  • Remove the tape without leaving marks after application
  • Improve the quality of the final paint finish
Pre-paint masking and automotive surface protection
Application example: preparing an automotive part before painting.

Choose the masking solution to suit the operation

Each paint-preparation situation involves different constraints: line sharpness, heat resistance, conformability around curves, protection of large surfaces or clean removal.

Two-tone bodywork painting

Two-tone painting requires a sharp separation between two colours. This may involve a contrasting roof, bonnet, door pillar, sill, bumper, decorative stripe or visible bodywork area.

Fine-line tapes are used to create the main finishing line. Masking rolls and paper tapes are then used to protect adjacent surfaces before spraying.

Two-tone automotive bodywork painting
Risk to avoid Bleeding between two colours, uneven line, paint rework, tape lifting or overspray onto an already painted area.
Examples of use
  • Outline a black roof on white bodywork
  • Create a clean separation between two colours on a bonnet
  • Mask a door pillar before applying a second colour
  • Create a decorative stripe on a wing or sill
  • Protect an already painted area while applying another colour
  • Create a paint design on an exterior plastic part
  • Achieve a sharp line on a highly visible area of the vehicle

Suitable DERFI products

RM2074 RM2074 High-temperature fine-line tape for a sharp separation between two colours. RM2077 RM2077 180°C fine-line tape for precise finishing and temperature resistance. FN2074 FN2074 Fine-line tape for sharp finishing lines on bodywork. RM2091 RM2091 Acrylic masking tape to protect around the fine line. F0501C F0501C Crepe paper tape to complete protection around the painted area.

Suitable DERFI machines

ZCM1000 / ZCM2000 ZCM1000 / ZCM2000 Prepares consistent lengths of fine-line or masking tape. RT7700 RT7700 Quickly dispenses repeat strips at the paint workstation. ZCM1100 / ZCM2200 ZCM1100 / ZCM2200 Safe cutting for sensitive workstations or controlled environments. RT120W RT120W Dispenser suited to wider tapes used alongside fine-line tape.
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Fine lines, contours and curved shapes

Some automotive areas require precise masking over complex shapes. Tapes must follow curves without lifting, wrinkling or allowing paint to seep underneath.

This type of masking is particularly important on bumpers, mirrors, handles, lights, rear lamps, moulded plastic parts, bonnet edges or exterior design elements.

Fine lines and curved shapes in automotive masking
Risk to avoid Lifting on curves, paint seepage, wrinkling in the tape, bleeding or an uneven finish on a visible area.
Examples of use
  • Follow the rounded edge of a bumper before a paint touch-up
  • Mask the outline of a mirror
  • Outline a curve on a moulded plastic part
  • Protect the outline of a door handle
  • Create a fine line around a headlight or rear light
  • Mask a decorative area on a complex bodywork part
  • Create a sharp separation on an exterior design element
  • Follow a bonnet or tailgate edge without paint bleeding

Suitable DERFI products

FN2074 FN2074 Fine-line tape for curves, contours and precise lines. RM2074 RM2074 Fine-line tape for rounded areas and clean separations. RM2077 RM2077 180°C fine-line tape for precision and spray-booth resistance. RM2085 RM2085 Rubber masking tape for irregular surfaces and complex shapes. RM2091 RM2091 120°C acrylic tape for temporary protection with clean removal.

Suitable DERFI machines

ZCM1000 / ZCM2000 ZCM1000 / ZCM2000 Prepares short, repeat strips for touch-up workstations. RT7700 RT7700 Fast dispensing of technical tapes at preparation stations. ZCM1100 / ZCM2200 ZCM1100 / ZCM2200 Safe cutting for operators and sensitive workstations.
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Masking large surfaces

Masking large areas protects a significant part of the vehicle or component from paint overspray, spray mist, dust or dirt.

This operation concerns doors, side panels, glazing, bonnets, tailgates, wings, seals, lights, already fitted accessories, plastic panels and parts that have already been approved before local touch-up work.

Masking large automotive surfaces
Risk to avoid Overspray, paint mist, dust, dirt, scratches or spray on an area not concerned by the operation.
Examples of use
  • Protect an entire door while painting a wing
  • Cover a side window during a pillar touch-up
  • Mask an entire side panel before localised painting
  • Protect a bonnet or tailgate during work on an adjacent area
  • Cover glazing, seals and accessories before painting
  • Protect adjacent areas during a bodywork repair
  • Mask a series of plastic panels before industrial painting
  • Protect an already approved part during rework on an adjacent area

Suitable DERFI products

RM2080 RM2080 Easy unwind for quickly protecting large surfaces. RM2085 RM2085 Rubber masking tape for large-area masking and irregular surfaces. RM2091 RM2091 Masquage acrylique 120°C pour protection avant peinture. F0501C F0501C Crepe paper tape for local holding and additional masking. G0107B G0107B Blue PE film for temporary protection of smooth surfaces. G0104T G0104T Transparent PE film for glazing, windows and flat materials.

Suitable DERFI machines

TDA080-NM / TDA150-NM TDA080-NM / TDA150-NM Dispensing of protective films and masking tapes. DC150 / DC400 DC150 / DC400 Safe manual dispensers for films and wide tapes. RT120W RT120W Safe dispenser for wide tapes and rapid protection. ZCM1000 / ZCM2000 ZCM1000 / ZCM2000 Prepares repeat holding strips to a consistent length.
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Protection before the spray booth cycle

Before entering a paint booth or thermal cycle, certain areas must remain protected until the end of the process. The tape must retain its adhesion, withstand the appropriate temperature and allow clean removal after application.

This situation concerns unpainted areas, inserts, threads, contact areas, connectors, small technical parts or sensitive surfaces exposed to booth temperatures.

Protection before an automotive spray booth cycle
Risk to avoid Lifting in the booth, adhesive residue, uneven boundary, paint on a technical area or a defect after curing.
Examples of use
  • Protect unpainted areas before the spray booth cycle
  • Mask sensitive areas before paint curing
  • Protect a threaded area or metal insert
  • Mask off an area before powder coating
  • Protect a connector or technical part exposed to heat
  • Maintain clean masking during a heating cycle
  • Preserve a mechanical contact area on a metal part
  • Protect an assembly edge during a finishing operation

Suitable DERFI products

RM2074 RM2074 High-temperature fine-line tape for painted areas in the booth. RM2077 RM2077 180°C fine-line tape for cycles requiring precision and heat resistance. FN2074 FN2074 High-temperature fine-line tape for sharp boundaries. L0201 L0201 Red silicone polyester tape for high-temperature technical masking. L0202V L0202V Green silicone polyester tape for visual identification and hot masking. L0204V L0204V 150 µm green polyester tape for powder coating and masking-off. B0201M B0201M Amber polyimide tape for technical masking and high-temperature insulation.

Suitable DERFI machines

ZCM1000 / ZCM2000 ZCM1000 / ZCM2000 Repeat cutting of high-temperature tape strips. RT7700 RT7700 Fast dispensing of technical tapes in production. RT120W RT120W Solution for wide tapes or technical materials. TDA080 / TDA150 TDA080 / TDA150 Automatic dispensers for industrial production rates.
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Touch-ups and localised repairs

Local touch-ups require clean, fast and precise masking. The aim is to protect adjacent areas while leaving only the area to be reworked accessible.

This type of application is common in body shops, automotive maintenance, post-quality-control repairs, scratch touch-ups, rework after sanding or work on an already assembled part.

Automotive touch-ups and local repairs
Risk to avoid Overspray, spill onto a sound area, dust, overly wide repair line, marks after removal or a touch-up extending too far.
Examples of use
  • Protect the rest of a door during a scratch touch-up
  • Mask around a sanded area before painting
  • Protect a bumper during a localised repair
  • Outline a small area on a wing or bonnet
  • Mask around a paint chip to be repaired
  • Prepare a part after quality control before correction
  • Protect a pre-fitted logo or trim strip during paint rework
  • Work on a pre-fitted part without repainting the whole assembly

Suitable DERFI products

F0501C F0501C Crepe paper tape for touch-ups and localised protection. RM2091 RM2091 120°C acrylic tape for clean removal after work. RM2085 RM2085 Rubber masking tape for irregular surfaces. FN2074 FN2074 Fine-line tape for precise definition of an area to be reworked. RM2077 RM2077 180°C fine-line tape for precise touch-ups with heat resistance.

Suitable DERFI machines

ZCM1000 / ZCM2000 ZCM1000 / ZCM2000 Prepares short, consistent lengths. RT7700 RT7700 Smooth tape dispensing at touch-up stations. ZCM1100 / ZCM2200 ZCM1100 / ZCM2200 Safe cutting for controlled workshops or sensitive workstations.
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Protection of glazing, lights and accessories

Glazing, lights, seals, handles, badges and accessories often need to be protected before painting, sanding, internal transport or handling. The aim is to avoid overspray, scratches, dust or adhesive marks after removal.

This application complements painting and touch-up operations by protecting already fitted parts, visible components and sensitive surfaces.

Protection of automotive glazing and accessories
Risk to avoid Scratches on glazing, overspray on lights, adhesive marks, dust, dirt or defects on fitted accessories.
Examples of use
  • Protect a windscreen during nearby painting
  • Mask a side window before a bodywork touch-up
  • Protect lights before sanding or painting
  • Cover accessories already fitted to the vehicle
  • Protect a decorative element or logo during paint rework
  • Preserve glass or plastic surfaces during internal transport
  • Protect a rubber seal during painting
  • Mask a door handle before a localised touch-up

Suitable DERFI products

G0104T G0104T Transparent film for glazing and flat materials. G0107B G0107B Blue film for painted parts, profiles and smooth surfaces. F0501C F0501C Paper tape for temporary protection and localised holding. RM2080 RM2080 Easy-unwind roll for rapid protection. RM2091 RM2091 Acrylic masking tape for clean protection without marks. RM2085 RM2085 Rubber masking tape for seals, accessories and irregular surfaces.

Suitable DERFI machines

TDA080-NM / TDA150-NM TDA080-NM / TDA150-NM Automatic dispenser for protective films and masking tapes. DC150 / DC400 DC150 / DC400 Safe cutting for films and wide tapes. RT120W RT120W Controlled dispensing for wide tapes. ZCM1000 / ZCM2000 ZCM1000 / ZCM2000 Repeat cutting of fixing or holding strips.
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Use case overview

Masking before painting and automotive large-area masking cover all operations required for paint preparation: two-tone painting, fine lines, curved shapes, large surfaces, paint-booth cycles, local touch-ups and protection of glazing or accessories.

Key points for consumables

  • Fine line tapes are preferred for sharp separations and visible areas.
  • Masking rolls are suitable for large surfaces, touch-ups and temporary protection.
  • Protective films are suitable for glazing, smooth surfaces, painted parts and flat materials.
  • High-temperature tapes are useful for spray booth cycles, selective masking and technical areas.

Key points for workstation organisation

  • Preparing consistent lengths improves the repeatability of masking operations.
  • Dispensing tapes directly at the workstation reduces waste and unnecessary handling.
  • Matching the machine to the consumable saves time at painting and touch-up workstations.
  • The right combination of tape, film and machine improves final quality before the spray booth cycle.