I am painting a red stripe on my 1974 Catalina 22. I was wondering how professional painters get the stripe straight. Is there some trick I am unaware of or do they just eyeball it? Has anyone else done this? Thanks in advance.
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Try using a combination square...
I am not sure how the pros do it, but I used a combination square. Set the square end to the rub rail and and adjust the slide rule to the desired length. Run it from one end of the boat to the other holding a pencil in the slot at the bottom. Make another adjustment to the rule, say two or three inches lower and pencil the bottom line the same way. Tape it off and paint. Use a good quality tape and take your time when lining it up with the pencil marks. Anyone know a better way?
I am not sure how the pros do it, but I used a combination square. Set the square end to the rub rail and and adjust the slide rule to the desired length. Run it from one end of the boat to the other holding a pencil in the slot at the bottom. Make another adjustment to the rule, say two or three inches lower and pencil the bottom line the same way. Tape it off and paint. Use a good quality tape and take your time when lining it up with the pencil marks. Anyone know a better way?
Use fine line tape
It's going to cost more but you'll have a much nicer line. I eyeballed it. Started at one end
It's going to cost more but you'll have a much nicer line. I eyeballed it. Started at one end
As a matter of fact 
I have read the other two replies and both are good, and if you are wanting a 3rd opinion well here goes. I learned this from an old Pin Striper for FOMOCO (My Grand Father ) Take a long string position one end where your waterline is going to be, either bow or stern it doesn't matter. Then tape it down and lead the string forward keeping it tight. At least tight enough for it to find the curvature of your hull. This part may take a friend to help. Then take a line level place it anywhere along the string where the level bubble is equal, or in the middle then take a piece of painters tape and tape the string to the hull ( preferably in the middle). then remove the line level and take a roll of painters tape, follow the edge of the string without disturbing it's level position. Once the tape is on move down or up to make the proper thickness of stripe and repeat the process, then paint between the two lengths of tape. Repeat the process for the other side then match the transom up doing the same thing. If I have lost anyone here then email me and I will send you a diagram Happy Sailing Dave LaPere
I have read the other two replies and both are good, and if you are wanting a 3rd opinion well here goes. I learned this from an old Pin Striper for FOMOCO (My Grand Father ) Take a long string position one end where your waterline is going to be, either bow or stern it doesn't matter. Then tape it down and lead the string forward keeping it tight. At least tight enough for it to find the curvature of your hull. This part may take a friend to help. Then take a line level place it anywhere along the string where the level bubble is equal, or in the middle then take a piece of painters tape and tape the string to the hull ( preferably in the middle). then remove the line level and take a roll of painters tape, follow the edge of the string without disturbing it's level position. Once the tape is on move down or up to make the proper thickness of stripe and repeat the process, then paint between the two lengths of tape. Repeat the process for the other side then match the transom up doing the same thing. If I have lost anyone here then email me and I will send you a diagram Happy Sailing
Dave LaPere- Status