Beginner problem #2 — canopy concerns

[the_Baron]

One suggestion nobody mentioned was always use a fresh blade when cutting on a canopy. You have more control because you don’t have to use as much pressure to make the cuts.

Second that! When I have to cut masking, I take a brand-new blade out of the pack, just for that purpose.

That’s a general principle for any knife or other edged tool, by the way-keep your knives sharp! As you note, you have to apply more pressure to cut, and that increases the risk of slipping and injuring yourself. I learned that rule when I learned to cook.

[the_Baron]

…From other suggestions from the FineScale discussions, I’ve learned that the best way to avoid “bleeding” of paint under masking tape is not to paint the frame lines with a brush, but to spray them with several light coats of paint…

Or you could also apply a coat or two of a clear medium over the masks, like a clear acrylic. I use Future, myself, but there are many products available. The key is that this seals the edges of the tape, to help elminate paint bleed.

And light coats are a good idea, in every case!

[Bobstamp]

@Everyone — Thank you for your suggestions. If I understand correctly, these steps will prevent or at least minimize “bleeding”:

1. Mask the canopy

2. Spray it with a clear acrylic (Future, or, I assume, TS-13 Clear or something similar?)

3. Spray or brush on canopy-frame colour

Bob

[lewbud]

Also forgot to add, make sure you burnish the heck out of the edges to make sure they are down before painting. A toothpick, piece of sprue, or a fingernail will do. I don’t have a problem with paint bleeding through on my canopies. My problem is that I get in a hurry after the paint dries and remove the mask without getting the knife out and scoring along the mask, cutting through the paint and leaving a sharp line, instead of the ragged edge left by simply pulling up the mask.