In the latest FineScale magazine, the bonus booklet that gave hints on making the Panzer and Fw-190, on the plane, the guy used a type of foil to mask the canopy while he airbrushed. Would this be a good way to paint the canopy? And if so, how would you remove it when you were done, and would there be any problems?
I believe it was a product called Bare Metal Foil. It is an ultra thin foil that has an adhesive backing. It comes in a few different hues and colors. As long as you Future the canopy or surface, the residue shouldn’t be a big issue when you peel it. I wouldn’t recommend it on flat acrylic. Plus it’s kind of expensive. I use Tamiya tape, and it works just fine.
Steve
Masking tape? Ok. But sometimes I find that the raised plastic where the glass for the plane connects to metal causes the tape to become uneven, and leaves spaces where the paint will drip down.
Hmmm…I don’t really understand, but here are some examples, all masked with plain old Tamiya tape:
The thing with foil as I said before is the residue it leaves behind (adhesive back). It is very precise and easy to trim, but it can be a bear to remove. (KISS-keep it simple stupid) is the axiom I have used for about thirty years of modeling. Tamiya tape is THE BEST masking tape on the market for this application.
I masked the anti glare panel and canopy on this Jug with it:
Argue all you want, but I think my results speak for themselves…
regards,
Steve
Alright, absolutely.
You can get the same results with both. Both do the job just as well. Apparently, some people feel rather confident with their method and results.
Andy
apparently…
Just a thought, since in my biz I tend to deal with all kinds of products . . . for masking in this case.
3M makes a masking tape which is blue, has an orange core, and is usually sold as ultra low tack or “designer” tape. Now the intent is you can put this on a painted wall after 24 hours (like for multiple color rooms) and it won’t peel the paint. But its thin, very smooth, doesn’t leave a residue, and cuts clean. I have to think it would be a perfect fit for masking canopies. An inch roll which gives you what, 150 feet, is about 4 bucks.
Don’t confuse with the other blue textured tape. That stuff isnt worth squat on anything.