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Just finished up spraying the stars on my truck today. I used the vinyl stencils from Rick Larson. The job turned out great. I thought the vinyl stencils would be a real P in the A, but they were very easy to deal with. I used the hints that were included with the instructions, namely running a piece of masking tape the full length of the top of the stencil, then using that as a hinge when pulling the backer off and sticking the stencil down. The cover sheets were a pain to get off as they would peel the stencil up, but it wasn't that big a deal. I did tear one of the stencils while doing this but a few pieces of masking tape solved that situation. I can see what they mean when they say to remove the stencils immediately after painting. I would think the stencils would pull the white paint up should they be left on too long and the paint dries. Of course a little X-actro work would cure that as well.

I had to chuckle though as the directions mentioned being able to reuse the stencils if you are careful in removing them. I'm here to tell you that ain't happening! I was as careful as could be and there is just no way in hell you can reuse them things. All in all though I would recommend using the vinyl stencils but you must follow the directions exactly if you expect to get them to work.

Nick,

Sandy and I both had to work on the stencils that we got from Rick Larson in order to make the job turn out correctly. We followed Ricks instructions and used the hinged tape at the top. It took both of us working on the star paint mask in order to remove the backer and stick it to the metal without wrinkles or getting misaligned. We had trouble separating the vinyl from the backing paper and not having a x-acto knife we used a scalpel. You're right about not being able to reuse them. We just peeled them off and pitched them after we finished spraying. I don't know how anyone would be able to use them over but Rick says it's possible, maybe he'll give us a demonstration at the next rally. Post some pics of your work when you get a chance.

Carter;

The hinge method really made it easy for me to do this by myself. I think had I not known about that it would have been real tough. I'll try to get some shots of the truck outside soon. Big weekend with the redball mil-veh show tormorrow and my kids ball games Sunday. Don't know when I'll get the truck out .