Tailgate Painting

[grey beard]

In keeping with my roller-style paint job, I am now working on my tailgate. Have any of you any advice for painting the white "DODGE" script embossed on this panel? I've heard of painting the white first, then the color, and then block sanding the color down to the white, but that seems like lots of work. Anyone have success using a roller on the name alone? Any other suggestions?

Thanks:)

[greg g]

DAve I have done a few liscence plates using the script color first then field color over it but with fewer coats than the roller job needs. But you might give the technique a try. Paint the gate a couple coats of sprayed on white spray laquer, then put on the body color in enamel. Then with some enamel reducer on a lint free cloth erase the field color off the raised letters. The reducer won;t effect the laquer and the enamel will over coat the laquer with no problem.

[BobT-47P15]

You need a steady hand to get the edges straight, whatever way you do it. I probably would use a Testors Paint Pen for the letters. However with the size of the letters, it might take a while. Hmmm...

[Allen I.]

I don't think there is an easy way for the lettering. I've painted a few odd things in my time and I always go back to masking tape, an exacto blade and a steady hand.

It will take a while but at least you can see what you are going to get. Tape, trim, step back and see how it looks. It is easier to remove tape and re-trim than repaint. A little pressure before paint and your edges should be nice and clean. I'm not saying it is not an infernal pain in the backside but...

[Bouncy B]

Were the letters originally white or aluminum color? Don Bunn's restoration book said white, but then there was a correction page inserted that said aluminum. I haven't painted mine yet, but I have roller painted the truck with amazing results.

[Reg Evans]

" I haven't painted mine yet, but I have roller painted the truck with amazing results."

Any photos you can share here with us ?

[48WingNut]

Seems like a roller with very short material would do the trick. Anybody got an extra tailgate? And yes Bouncy....ya have to give up some pic's!

[Jim Shepard]

I believe the correction page is right (or, correct...). Anyway, I did mine in an aluminum-type color and it turned out great. Actually, I had a pinstripper do it.