When restoring 60-66, sticker or paint tailgate letters?

[PGSigns]

Couple of things. You can clear over good vinyl lettering with no problems. First coat needs to be light and let it tack, then paint as you normally would. If you go to most sign shops that do vinyl lettering you can get the lettering cut in paint mask. can have it weeded straight or reverse depending on what color you want painted first. The paint mask is resistant to the solvents in paint and it leaves no residue when it comes off. Edge quality is close to what you get using fine line tape. Been doing signs for a good while and will help with vinyl related questions any way I can.
Thanks
Jimmy

[1Bad62Pro/Street]

I always like the painted tailgates like this:

[oem4me]

Originally Posted by PGSigns

Couple of things. You can clear over good vinyl lettering with no problems. First coat needs to be light and let it tack, then paint as you normally would. If you go to most sign shops that do vinyl lettering you can get the lettering cut in paint mask. can have it weeded straight or reverse depending on what color you want painted first. The paint mask is resistant to the solvents in paint and it leaves no residue when it comes off. Edge quality is close to what you get using fine line tape. Been doing signs for a good while and will help with vinyl related questions any way I can.
Thanks
Jimmy

Question for the sign dude:
Since only the stamped "flats" of the letters get painted, and the surrounding edges are "rolled in" about 1/8", will the paint mask have any trouble conforming to the contours without wrinkling?
Sounds like the way to go if the mask would lay down ok.

[PGSigns]

What I am going to on mine is paint the letter color first. This should make it easier. Plan it to paint the white, and let it dry. Then install the mask and shoot the hotrod flatz black and then pull the mask asap while there is still a wet edge to let it flow just a tad. This is not need if doing base clear but with single stage pulling them wet will ease the edge.
Jimmy

[66clow]

I'd say paint. Even my rattle can came out pretty good. You just need a lot of patience taping around the letters.
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[jonzcustomshop]

why not use the stickers themselves as a stencil? I was thinking of trying it... paint the gate white, put the stickers on, paint the gate color, and remove the stickers../?? would it work??

[Captainfab]

I would say that depends on how good the adhesive on the stickers is.

I would say use the stickers and then spray clear over the entire tailgate.

Originally Posted by jonzcustomshop

why not use the stickers themselves as a stencil? I was thinking of trying it... paint the gate white, put the stickers on, paint the gate color, and remove the stickers../?? would it work??