Hello hope all is well. I searched the site and didn’t come across what I was looking for. I did find a few answers to how to avoid “paint lines”, after removing tape and having that ridge of paint left behind. But any ideas how to actually remove it without causing damage or remove it with minimal damage?
The example I’ll use is what I’m actually trying to correct. 1/48 AIM 7 and AIM 9 missiles. Body is painted one color then I taped off two separate areas for thin bands. I had no prob removing paint, nothing lifted, just have some ridges here and there. There are a total of 8 missiles each with 2 bands for a total of 16. So there are a few I want to “sand” down, not sure if I should though. Thank you.
l knock the ridge down with a worn and very fine sanding sponge 6000-8000 grit. A gentle sanding will usually do the trick. Most paints are pretty tough.
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I have also often been successful with either paper towels or a nice lint free towel – I rub very gently in small circles across the lines.
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I purchased a box of Mr Clean “Magic Eraser” sheets (not sponges) and I think it’s a lifetime supply of very fine sanding material. I cut the sheet into something like 1"x4" strips, they are maybe 1/8" thick. The melamine definitely knocks the shine off of things, but it’s very gentle. I use them for surface prep, especially if I’m not going to prime. These might be abrasive enough to knock the edge off the paint bands, without just polishing to a nice gloss!
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I had to do that with my EP-3E where the gray and white met. I sprayed a gloss coat over the ridge then carefully wet sanded the ridge with 800, constantly checking things as I went.
I do the same with my missiles and bombs by painting the stripes on as well. A good gloss coat usually fixes the “ridge” so, there’s no need to sand things.
Steve
Thanks Steve, appreciate the response and pic!
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I find 1000 grit does a pretty good job. Go lightly.
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