I was making off the prop on the wildcat I’m working on tonight and thought I would ask what is your preferred method for measuring and making the propeller tips on aircraft? I used to use tamya tape but found I had a hard time getting it to keep paint from seeping down the edge of the prop blade. so now I use tape as a straight edge, tapping where the yellow ( or what ever color it’s to be) will go and use liquid making fluid to make my mask, then lift the tape while the liquid is still wet and our leaves a sharp line and generallyworks well. repeat for the other side of the prop and then I generally brush paint the tips with several coats because usually I’m painting yellow on top of black.
I shouldn’t post from my phone because words never type out right. I’m talking of masking propeller tips not making them… sorry for the confusion.
i use tamiya tape on mine never really had a problem if it seeps i just fix with some black and a really fine paint brush but normally it does not because i found a way to keep it from doing that most of the time at least you just got to make sure its sealed along the edge and if it does seep carefully fix it thats what i do (almost never seeps) anyway hope that help some
I spray the propeller yellow first and then fold a piece of tape over where I want to demarcation to be and then spray the black. Just make sure the edges of the tape are completely sealed, and never had a problem.
Some folks will just dip them in a cap of yellow paint as well, since that usually maintains a pretty straight line, and requires no masking. As far as having to go heavy on the yellow layers, try and prime your subjects in a white primer anytime you have to shoot those two colors, as it’ll really save you a lot of hassle on getting the paint to stand out and be vibrant.
Tamiya tape here. I usually apply the yellow in many light layers to keep it from running. I do like the idea of priming the prop, painting the tips in yellow first and then taping and painting the black. I may have to try that on my next build!!
smith,
if you’re worried about the paint seeping, paint your first color first (usually the lighter of the two, in this case yellow), lay down your tape and paint that same color again over the tape. Now the edge of the tape is sealed to the previous layer. Now you go over it with your second color, usually the darker of the two (in this case black). No seeping. Before you remove the tape, take a new knife blade and GENTLY trace it over the edge of the tape, just to lightly slit that seal. You’ll have a very nice crisp, clean line.
I just use a steady hand.
Frog tape.
I used to hate painting prop tips. Still do but do the best I can. I use either a steady hand or Tamiya tape.
generally speaking, after cleaning up any imperfections on the plastic, I spray the tips white, freehand, then yellow. I then mask off the areas I want to remain yellow and spray the blades the appropriate color… ( in most instances flat black) .
I have used brass metal foil applied over the black prop. Trim excess with Xacto knife. Then seal it with Dullcoat lacquer spray to keep it from lifting off. Works out well.
I subscribe to the paint the yellow first technique. That leaves you with very little to tape off. Just make sure you’re edges are pressed down good and there should be no leaks.
I was waiting for somebody to say… build jets instead.
I have always painted the tips last but may try the yellow first due to the bleeding issue. Yellow has to be the most difficult color to get to AB well, at least for me. Anybody tried it from a rattle can?