liquid masking suggestions

What have you used for liquid masking?

An online retailer has Micro Mask, but it only comes in a 1 oz. bottle, and it says that you cannot use water soluble paints over it, so I don’t know how Tamiya acrylics would react with it. Micro Mask states that you can brush their product on, and then cut out the pattern you want, which sounds like a convenient way to do a cammo paint scheme.

I have used a product called Mold Builder that I got from the craft store, but it has ammonia in it, so it attacked the Future coat I had applied, and ruined the paint job.

I also remember reading a WIP thread somewhere where the person used a liquid mask, and it had an adverse reaction to the paint also, but I do not remember the details of what he used.

Mainly I am looking for a product to mask when doing cammo paint schemes. I have been using silly putty to lay out the pattern, but then going back with tape to complete the masking, and it is a real pain. Every time I do this, I ask myself why I didn’t just choose a scheme that did not require cammo!

I use Tamiya paints exclusively, thinned with alcohol.

Any suggestions?

Thank you.

How about looking into what RC car hobbyists use such as Fasmask? Larger volume anyway at 16oz.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSdXIo8XX1E

Tamiya paints are pretty resilient, and although you can thin them with water, water itself will not rejuvenate them once completely cured - at least I haven’t experienced this. I also wonder if these are true acrylics, or some chemical ingredient is different. I find a number other branded acrylics do not mix well with Tamiya, and will immediately begin to separate or make a gooey mess after stirring.

regards,

Jack

water wont’ affect Tamiya paints when they are dry. How about checking out liquid friskit film?

i’m learning to use Parafilm “M” with somewhat good results(gonna take more practice…) but I normally use Tamia thin tape as my edge and cover that with ‘’'‘blue’ painter’s tape.

Thanks for the feedback . I had not heard of Fasmask, and did not know about liquid friskit. The one hobby shop I have access to had some Micro Mask , by Micro Scale . I bought a bottle and have begun some tests on a CD case . It is not as easy to use as I expected ! I will post back with my results.

I too use Fasmask. It has worked well on all my projects. No complaints. It looks like a slightly thick Elmers glue but is robins egg blue. I believe I paid about $17 for an 16oz bottle three years ago. I found it in the RC section of my local hobby shop, not the model section. Smaller sizes are available but it was the only size the shop had and I had a masking project I was eager to start.

I cannot compare it to others masks as its the only one I have used. It worked like I wanted it to so there was no reason to look for another product.

mitsdude: Are you able to lay down one heavy coat, or does the Fasmask take multiple coats?

My experience with the Micro Mask has not been all that great, but will post later today with results of ongoing experiments.

I’ve never tried using just one coat. I always use 3 coats. More if its a large area. This is just me being overly cautious.

It does come with a brush built into the lid but you will definitely need a few small paint brushes to get into tight areas. Cheap $5 a bag craft brushes work great. Just be sure to clean the Fasmask off with water or the brush will be toasted!