Masking may well be the single-most unappreciated aspect of finishing. At best, many shop managers perceive masking as a necessary evil, something that must be done before the “real work” can begin. At its worst, it can be a frustrating and time-consuming nightmare. And while the introduction of robotics, process controls and automated systems have streamlined many aspects of finishing, masking remains a labor-intensive process.

But does it have to be that way?

“The reality of masking is that done right, it can provide an incredible competitive advantage.”

Rather than buying a generic plug or cap and hoping that it fits the part – sometimes the equivalent of fitting a square peg into a round hole – finishers can take their part to a custom masking supplier and come away with a mask designed exclusively for that specific item.