problems with tape pulling off paint

You could try de-tacking the tape before you apply to your paint.  Sticking your tape to your pant leg or even your arm will lessen it's tack, then apply to the model.  In my experience with Tamiya tape it will not effect the clean edge and won't pull the paint off as long as it has dried properly.

Paint-to-plastic is the problem.

Clean the plastic.

Prime.

Paint.

What G said. Get some rubbing alcohol and wipe down the model before you paint (it removes the oils from your fingers that got on the model while handling it during construction and helps get rid of any dust that may be on the model). Use a primer, IMHO Tamiya's Fine Gray is the best out there. Then paint.  Some will wash the plastic with a dish soap to remove any mold release, you have to be careful because some soaps will actually hinder the paint's adhesion. If you feel you have to wash the plastic I recomend Dawn, it's what I use when cleaning resin parts. Make sure you rinse the parts thoroughly.

Always clean the kit first with a degreaser as G says above this will get rid of any mold release agent.

finger grease can also cause a problem so clean any parts assembled before priming etc, or wear surgeons gloves.

Never be in a rush over the paint or primer. Always make sure that the paint/primer is fully dry and cured before masking etc. I usually leave 24 hours to cure, sometimes longer.

assembling the model is the quick part, it is the painting that makes it come alive and the time consuming bit.

My recent Lancaster build took 3 months and most of that was painting. Plenty of masks were used, some from vendors and some home made. The base colours also took time to apply with the 1/32 Lanc being a big beast and primer and upper and lower base colours took about a week and a half to apply and cure before the green upper disruptive pattern was masked and painted and the masks removed almost as soon as the painting was done and then left to cure for a couple of days.

it is just down to preparation. After washing the kit sprues with whatever, just rinse really well and let air dry for a couple of days. This is not a quick hobby!

appreciate the insights.  I wash my parts with dish soap before painting but have never used a primer, I need to try that.

cid80q

appreciate the insights.  I wash my parts with dish soap before painting but have never used a primer, I need to try that.

 

Two questions then. 

1, what type and brand of spray paints are you using?

2, what kit are you having this problem with, or has it been more than one?

Generally, enamel paints have superb adhesion properties and will hold fast even without primer.

Some kits have plastics that are not quite the standard polystyrene that we are used to and dont work well with styrene paints and glues.

Everyone here is correct. My method to stop this issue is to wipe everything down with achohol before I prime everything. Then paint. Give it at least 24 hrs before applying masking tape to fresh paint. Remove the tape as soon as it's safe to do so. I have had no lifting issues doing it this way.

BK