How to Paint Stripes on a Mustang

The Ford Mustang is known by its trademark stripes.

Taking an old Mustang car that was not kept in good condition and bringing it back to life is the dream of every Mustang owner. The stripes on a Mustang add to the vintage quality and look of the car. Done carefully, it will make the Mustang look as professional as the day it rolled off the assembly line.

Things You'll Need

• Auto body cleaner
• Microfiber cloth
• Painter's cloth or tarp
• Masking tape
• Auto spray paint for the stripe
• Tape measure
• Ventilated mask
• Safety goggles

Instructions

1. Clean the car with an auto body cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Make sure to remove as much dirt and dust as possible so the paint will adhere to the car's surface.

2. Mask off the engine, wheels, windows, the interior and the exhaust pipes with painter's cloth or a tarp. Hold the pieces in place with masking tape. For really small areas like door locks, use pieces of masking tape alone. Cover everything you do not want to be painted, leaving only the area of the stripes exposed.

3. Rub the car down with a clean microfiber cloth one more time to remove any dust or static before you apply the stripe,

4. Find the center line of the car parts that will receive the stripes. Use masking tape to mark off the width of the stripes on either side of the center line. Measure the distance between the lines to make sure it is equal (if you are applying two stripes). If it is one continuous stripe, make sure it is even up and down the entire length of the stripe and equidistant from the edges of the car.

5. Measure the width of the stripes and mask off equal amounts on the sides of the stripes. Make sure they are the same width for the length of the stripes and that each stripe is exactly the same, if you are doing two stripes.

6. Make sure all the tape is applied correctly. Put on your ventilated mask and goggles. Spray the stripes starting at the bottom most areas. Use an even fine spray and only use one coat, trying not to overlap. If you are using more than one color, mask off the other colors while doing the first color. Allow 24 hours to dry before putting on the next color.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are concerned about getting even lines, buy stencils and tape them in place before painting.

• Always work in a well-ventilated area and use all safety gear when using spray paint.

References

• You Tube: Masking Mustang for Paint
• You Tube: How to Paint Stripes and Lines