How do you avoid the buildup of paint around masking tape? No matter what paint or how thin the coats I always get this problem when a hard edge is needed. Tips please guys.
I had the question on another forum, and it was suggested to me was after you place your mask. spray a thin clear coat over it. You get a crisper line without the bleed or over spray
It is’nt so much bleed as a ridge of paint when I remove the tapes, I can see how the clear coat would work to stop paint bleed under the tape and will be using that one but I cant see how it would work in this instance, sorry I didnt word the original question very well.
Try spraying the paint away from the tape edge. If you are blowing the paint, regardless of how thin it is, up against the tape edge you will develop a ridge of paint when the tape is removed. Angle the airbrush to paint from the masked edge into the field, depositing as little paint along the edge as necessary
Heres another idea. What kind of masking tape do you use? I use to use the green masking tape by 3m, but now exclusavly use tamiya tape becouse its thin and gives you a clean line. Or your putting on way to many coats of paint building it up thay can also couse the problem your explaning.
You could also try raising the tape ever so slightly above the area yoru painting. It will still give you a pretty good edge, but if you spray 90 degrees to the tape, you shouldn’t have any build up.
I swear by Bare Metal Foil. Its so thin there’s is no edge for the paint to build up against. Therefore hardly any step.
Quite expensive though, so I cut it into 5mm width strips and apply to surface. Sometimes I will cut to shape once foil is on the kit, other times I align it carefully along the line I wish to mask. I then mask the rest of the kit with masking tape and newspaper.
Vince
I swear by tamiya tape. This stuff is far suprerior -edit-to-edit- blue or green painters tape in every aspect i can think of. Although i might have to try bare metal foil some time.
If you are applying thick layers that could also be your problem, even if it results in the same amount of paint in the end. Thinner layers will give a flat even coat and not build up along any edges.
Also as was recomended, try spraying at a 90 degree angle.
I too swear by the Tamiya tape for masking a sharp line. I’m not referring to canopies only. I also like Bare Metal Foil for that as well or even some 3M transparent tape… depends on the situation. But for something like and anti-glare panel… Tamiya is the way to go. Like previously mentioned, don’t spray pointing at the tape edge. If possible always from the tape side of the edge, or at the very least 90 degrees. A tad thinner mix and several very light coats will work.
All good tips guys [tup]
I’d like to add something a bit different; what to do once you have the ridge.
Carefully wet sand [;)]
If I do get one… befor ethe panit gets too hard I will roll the end of the a paint brush handle over the ridge and press it flat.
Good tips as always chaps, the 90 degree spraying worked a treat, thanks!