Masking tape

[mr spanky]

Hi all, after a bit of info

what masking tape do you all use?

after painting a cab and plastics once colour, if you wanted to spray the recessed areas of the panels, such as the side skirts on a scania model, what masking tape works best so you don't get the 2nd colour leaking under the edge?

[ClassicTyro]

I use Tamiya masking tape with very good results. A bit spendy, but they are compatible with the synthetic lacquer paints I use and produce a very fine edge with no bleeding. Make sure the paint is completely dry before applying the tape and then remove the tape as soon as you can. (note from experience).

I tried some Scotch-brand tapes (like the ones you can get from the home-improvement stores) but they bled-through. I don't think they're designed for the type of paint we use or the detail work we do.

Just my two cents.

[scania-alba]

I use the tamiya stuff, but have also used electrical/ insulation tape with great success. The electrical tape is especially good on curved surfaces. Just got to be carefully not to stretch otherwise you can end up with a wavy not straight line.

[mr spanky]

so, it looks like i got to get some of the Tamiya tape then

thanks for the info

[ricm]

I also use the Tamiya tape - but as ClassicTyro has said, remove it ASAP after you've painted. Make sure that the painted surface you want to put the tape on is well dry - ideally at least 3 - 4 days in dry and warm conditions. I have found that you can leave the tape applied for about 24hrs - anything longer than that, the tape adhesive starts to attack the underlying paint surface that you've stuck it to. So that means that if you need a few coats of paint for the design which needs the masking, pick a day when you can be sure to get all the coats on within the shortest reasonable time after you apply the masking tape........

[ClassicTyro]

So that means that if you need a few coats of paint for the design which needs the masking, pick a day when you can be sure to get all the coats on within the shortest reasonable time after you apply the masking tape..........

Spot-on!

[muttley]

I tend to try and remove the tape as soon as possible and pull the tape towards the painted edge that way it doesn't drag the paint away between the edge and the tape. I've also found leaving it too long until it is fully dry can also give you a rough edge if you have too much paint between the edge and the tape.

Hope this makes sense

[RCRoadtrain]

the Tamiya tape gives a better 'edge' that regular automotive tape (or the stuff I've got is just too old..)

but recently I've used 'Liquid Mask' by Fascolor.
paint it on, it has a slight greyish colour, and it goes clear as it dries...
and it peels off very well leaving no residue.

* also, to glue in lights/light buckets etc, try 'Shoo Goo'....

[Daniel.ellis2]

I've found the tamiya tape is best too !!

[redhat29]

Tamiya every time. Expensive, but worth it.