Using Decals as masks

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Decaling
1

Hi folks
Has anyone tried using decals as paint masks?
I’m building a 1/48 Bae Hawk in Red Arrows markings for the aerobatic GB and was wondering if I’ll get a better result on the whites if I use the decals to mask over white paint whilst I spray on the red.

Anyone tried similar techniques? What are the pitfalls?

Cheers
Dave

2

Never done it but it sounds like an interesting theory. Just might give it t try.

Richard

3

I’ve used dry transfers for letters and numbering with beautiful results. Decals as masking kinda scares me.

4

I’ve tried it with some success. Biggest problem may be the carrier film on the decal which makes the masked area larger than the graphic. Also, don’t get a lot of paint build up on the decal or you may lift paint from areas you don’t want to, when you remove the decal. The decal should not be applied with setting solutions, in fact best to get as much of the glue off the underside as possible. Scotch tape can be used to lift the decal after painting.

Regards, Rick

5

I’ve done ths with some success.
Scan the decal sheet, then print it on white paper.
take a piece of glass and stick down some masking tape, whatever you use.
cut out the decal off the white paper, leaving some overlap.
place it on the masking tape and use scotch tape to seal it in place.
Use an X-acto knife and cut your decal mask out, and carefully peel it off the glass.
the white paper decal may, or may not stick to the masking tape after you cut it out, but no matter.
The new cut mask on the lower tape is what you want.
Stick it in place and spray.

6

Just finished experimenting with using dry transfers for masking. Worked like a charm, but you need to be careful when lifting with tape–like Rick said, gently is the best way. I also recommend some good Future surfacing under the dry transfers.

I would suspect waterslide decals would be similar (ofcourse, you’d not want to use the microsol type solvents and setting solution)only real difference is the carrier film may mask off more than you want–so you’ll need to be extra picky when cutting out the decal.

Sean

7

Cheers folks,
I’m going to give it a try, I’ll let you know how I get on in the Aerobatic Teams GB
Dave