This question of whether to mask at the crease of the shoreline so the whole lug including its edges is the same color or whether the lug wall should be the same color as the head tube comes up for discussion on various bicycle forums from time to time. Those that are not painters discuss which method method they think looks better without a full understanding of what kind of complications are involved to get a professional look. As a painter I can get a much better result masking at the top of the lug wall instead of in the valley (which has no natural edge). When I’ve looked at the results of my professional colleagues that try to make the color transition in the valley, I usually see the line is a bit rough. Other inconsistencies I find unattractive are visible knife marks left over from trimming masking tape and – depending on the kind of paint – the 2 paint layers are at a visibly different height. And if one is using Fineline masking tape, as it turns a corner it can buckle a little and a bit of over spray can get underneath the tape. Those that only look at the frame from a distance may not notice but these inconsistencies scream at me. Masking at the lug edge is much easier to get a clean crisp transition as well as touch up damage control.

Joe Bell uses a lug lining tool so the color transition is in the middle of the cliff between the outside of the lug and the surface of the head tube. The color in the tool is the same as the head tube color. This gives a nice even effect because it covers the jagged masking. However this method can’t be used with every type of paint. And this color change half way between the traditional edges is not my personal preference. I like it fine if it is a 3rd color lug lining.