It will take 25 minutes to remove all the parts on a door that is being blended, but only 25 minutes to mask them. Which method would you recommend, and why?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The more closely a refinisher can match the original manufacturing finish, the more undetectable the refinish will be. So the more parts that can be removed, the more like the original finish it will be. The first rule is that if it will take less time to remove the part than mask it, then it should be removed. Many parts are not only difficult to mask, but also their presence makes it difficult to properly prepare the surface. So the second rule to follow is that if the surrounding surface cannot be prepared properly, then the part should be removed.
This second rule becomes the difficult one. For example, can a door lock be properly masked? The metal portion of the lock may be maskable, but the little gasket under it may not; and the area close to the gasket may not be able to be scuffed properly, which thus increases the risk of peeling later. In such cases, even if the part may take some time to remove, it should be removed to assure an undetectable refinish.
Some vehicle manufacturers may also have recommendations regarding removal for masking. Though quarter glass with moldings that are tight against the finish (reveal molding) may be maskable with reveal masking tape, the manufacturer may recommend instead that the glass be removed for refinish. The recommendation may be given for all the stationary glass, such as front windshield, back light, and quarter glass