Does anyone free hand paint their canopy trim? I’m getting frustrated as I have tried Tamiya masking tape, microscale liquid mask (which doesn’t work very well). I’m working on my first model 1:48 scale Bf109. Also, do you paint from the inside of canopy or on the outside? Using Vallejo and Tamiya acrylic paints. Any suggestions, YouTube videos, words of encouragement? lol. I’m a bit of a perfectionist and I think I have to realize that my first few models won’t win any trophies.
Thanks.
I have started using Scotch brand clear tape as its thinner that Tamiya tape and easier to emboss into the recesses and also much easier to cut.
Specifically, what sort of problems are you having? I’ve only just started masking canopies and painting them and have been mainly using masking tape. The biggest problems I’ve had are paint running under the mask which is solved by using a toothpick and running it around the edges and making sure there is a good seal on it.
I usually paint on the outside starting with the interior colour first and then over it with the exterior colour. I’ve head some people masking the inside of the canopy so they can paint the inside as well but I don’t think I’m up to stage yet.
I find Bare Metal Foil to be an outstanding mask for canopies. It burnishes down tightly, cleanly delineating frame from “plexiglass” and cuts away neatly with the use of a brand new X-Acto (type) blade.
I also like Bare Metal Foil for the same reasons. Regular masking tape (Tamiya or other) is also used by many - see HERE for a tutorial from Swanny’s Models that might help.
Eduard’s die cut masks work nicely, but you have to think ahead and order. As blitzwing mentioned, scotch tape works very nicely and allows you to see where you have to burnish down. I’ve not had much luck with liquid masks personally, and I’ve never tried bare metal foil but I’ve heard that works like a dream. The thing I’ve found with bleed under is sealing the edges first works out well. After taping, a quick brush layer of gloss around all the tape edges will form an invisible seal and prevent bleeding, and if the gloss bleeds under, no big deal as it just looks like canopy glass. Usually, painting the interior color first (as it will be seen inside) then other layers over that. It’s pretty difficult to mask and paint the inside of the canopy.
That is an excellent site. Thanks