Before we talk about the different methods of creating automatic stripes, we need to cover a couple of basic points: 1) Pinstripes are usually made in two colors: one that complements the body color and another, a thin line, that contrast to make the stripe stand out. . There are no rules: the choice of color is a matter of personal preference… and imagination! 2) Make sure that the surface to be scratched is absolutely clean. Remove all residue with a good pre-surface preparation product. Ok, now on to the different automatic striping techniques: Mechanical Pinstriping A mechanical automatic pinstriping is best for painting large areas such as trucks, vans, or vans. The main advantage is that it places strips of constant width, allowing you to focus more on keeping the stripe outline aligned across your work surface. Buegler’s pinstriper and accessories are a favorite of body shops and pinstripers for their high-quality construction and consistent performance. The easiest way to use a Buegler striper is to set up your striping line with an automatic magnetic striping strip. It adheres firmly to steel surfaces, forms smooth curves, and has a central groove designed with Buegler’s guide arm in mind. The strip can also act as a guide for your hand. Striping with Stencil Tape There are several different stencil tapes that are suitable for almost any automatic striping application. Stencil tapes allow you to apply stripes of different colors without waiting for the other stripes to dry. Stencil striping tape requires brushes: the pinstriping brush is the most important element for an excellent final result. Freehand Striping This automatic striping method is the most advanced and requires a lot of practice to master, but offers unlimited flexibility. The easiest method for the newbie to freehand striping is to place a strip of masking tape about ¼ inch from where you would like the line to be. Use the tape as a visual guide for your stripes. Do not use standard masking tape for edging fine stripes. thin paint will seep and bleed below the edge of the standard masking tape. Pinstriping can be as simple or as elegant as your patience and skill level allow. Regardless of the design, hairline stripes are one of the best ways to make your vehicle unique. Like anything worth doing right, practice will make the results worth it… and having the best possible supplies is critical too.