Painting aircraft windows

Hey lertthavorn, great to hear you are trying get into the hobby! Don't let the size of this response scare you, these are just ideas...you can do what ever you want to.

Well, there are various ways to deal with the window problem. I assume since this is your first kit that you are using paint brushes rather than an airbrush or spray can. If that is the case that could explain why you are having problems with paint running under the masking tape. If you are hand painting or spray painting, the important thing to remember is to use light coats. Don't expect to completely cover a part with paint in the first coat, especially clear parts. If you are stuck using a hand brush, then try masking as usual, but don't apply a lot of paint to the brush. If you let the paint dry slightly before applying it to the model, then it shouldn't run as much. Spray cans can have the same problem if you try to apply too thick of a coat at once. The paint just runs when there is a lot of paint.

You could apply a clear coat over the top of your masked canopies before painting. That way any "leaks" under the tape will be sealed and the colored paint will not bleed under. If you do this be sure to use a clear gloss paint (many of us use Future brand floor wax as a clear coat, can buy it at the supermarket). And it would be a good idea to us a hobby knife to cut along the masks after the paint has dried, so that you don't accidentally pull up the paint you want to remain on the model as you remove the masks.

Another option, one I used for a while when I was younger, is to just use a very fine tipped brush and a steady hand. Just take your time and paint the canopy frames free hand. As you get more experience with spray paint or airbrushes, then transition more to masking.

Now that I have writen you a book, hopefully you have some ideas. But always remeber, the best way to learn is to practice. If your first model doesn't turn out the way you want...try something new on another kit. That is the best part of this hobby, you can always do better, even the masters make mistakes now and again.

Good luck!