two tone paint scheme help

i'm working on a two-tone paint scheme here (solid base color and the second color to be a metallic) and would like some suggestions as to how i would go about minimizing the paint build-up around the masking area and on how to eliminate the 'step' at the point where the paint interfaces each other. i believe hawk sanded down the racing stripes that he painted on his mustang. not too sure i would feel comfortable doing that. any thoughts or techniques you guys would like to share on this? since one of the colors is metallic, is sanding safe? or should i just clearcoat it and sand/polish as normal? i would greatly appreciate it if anyone who has expereince with this would share their experience(s). thanks!

a.

What I do is spray the two colors, then put a thick layer of clear over the two colors. Make sure neither color is affected the primer base, or you may end up spraying one color first and the second later (i.e. if you're painting white/black, then spray white first then black). Then clear the whole thing, the clear will "gloss" over the paint "step"

To get a good mask, brush Future Floor Finish over the masking tape after you apply it, this little clearcoat makes sure no paint can get under the tape. :)

On my WRX, I sanded with 2400 grit along the direction of the transition line as well as across the line from the top layer to the bottom layer. Light sanding will knock out 95% of the buildup of paint that collects along your mask. Then a couple clear coats will bury the seam enough to polish without worry.

(my 2¢. :))

sanding a metallic paint will remove the metallic chips from the color and give you rough look. I don't advise it. I'd spray one or two coats of clear, then sand around the area where the "step" is to smooth it out. I'd also besure to go up to 2000 or higher grit. Afterwards, wash the body well, then spray another coat or so of clear, then polish and wax. I repeat myself when I say I don't advise sanding a metallic paint.

thanks for the response guys. i might just spray the metallic color on just enough for coverage and clearcoat the whole thing. i'm just worried about the metallic chips. i'll let you know how it turns out. thanks!

a.

Appleseed, use a clear base over both colors before clear coating (ex:DBC 500) you may sand with out damaging metalics, and retain a smooth over lap between colors.

Hi, I'm also working on a kit tt requires two tone paint scheme,metallic and non-metallic, which paint should i spray 1st?