Airbrush newbie

I have three questions:

  1. I have a '49 Merc model and I want to paint flames. What thickness frisket should I use to mask - 1 mil or 2 mil or…?

  2. I want to paint wide whitewalls on the rubber tires. Any prep involved?

  3. I saw an article a few years ago where someone used “Parafilm M” in modelling. I can’t remember what it was used for! Any suggestions?

Dare I say I have an Aztek - good so far.

Hey juggler! Welcome to the forums. I’ll try to help as best I can…

  1. I’ve never used frisket film, but I would think that the thinner it is the better?? The current issue of Scale Auto has a good article on flames and they mention frisket film too, but don’t say what thickness.

  2. If you’re going to paint on rubber/vinyl tires, you can’t use enamel paints. They won’t stick or dry. Try using a flat white acrylic from Tamiya or Gunze. That should work. I’ve also heard of people using White-Out correction fluid too…

  3. Parafilm M is usually used for masking. It is very low-tack and is really stretchy. It will conform to almost any curve or surface with no problem. It might work OK for flames, but most of the things I’ve read suggest using frisket film.

If your Aztek is working well for you, then go with it! Don’t get too concerned if others are having troubles with theirs. If you’re happy with it and it’s giving you the finish and versatility you need, then stay with it.

Again, welcome and enjoy the forums!!

Murray

YES… I use Frisket film – I get the Fiskars Frisk Air-Bruch Film. And the thinner the better!! It will curve over the edges better.

Parafilm comes to us fromt he Chemistry lab where it was developed as a temporary sealer for bottles, flasks, etc. It is actually a kind of parafin with longer molecules that lets it stretch quite a lot. I use it for masking and for sealing bottles of paint for shaking…

It feels slightly waxy, and can leave a tiny residue, but generally dose not. It’s good stuff to have around!