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airbrushing- soft edge masks - what to use?

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  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Iowa- USA
airbrushing- soft edge masks - what to use?
Posted by toadwbg on Monday, May 12, 2003 5:22 PM
In the past I've free-handed my camoflage patterns and used paper masks with my trusty Pashe H airbrush and have had good to mediocer results.

I'd like to make an improvement (without buying a new air brush). I've heard of a putty that can be kneeded into a snake an dlayed down as a mask but havn't been able to locate it anywhere.

Any info. would be great. Thanks!

"I love modeling- it keeps me in the cool, dark, and damp basement where I belong" Current Projects: 1/48th Hasegawa F-14D- 25% 1/48th Tamiya Spitfire- 25%
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: A Spartan in the Wolverine State
Posted by rjkplasticmod on Monday, May 12, 2003 9:38 PM
I have only read about this technique in the British Model Mags. The product is called Blue-Tack and I don't know of any source in the US. You might try Hannant's web-site in the UK. Personally, I use 3x5" cardstock cut to the Camo. outline and held with small strips of Scotch double sided tape. The tape side going on the model surface is first pressed on the back of my hand to reduce the adhesion on the paint surface. Works well for me.

Rick
RICK At My Age, I've Seen It All, Done It All, But I Don't Remember It All...
  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: Reno, NV.
Posted by frontside on Monday, May 12, 2003 11:07 PM
blue tack im 99.9% positive can be found at any crafts store like "micheal's"
and possibly even at "walmart" in student section....also TOADWBG, i entered a very similar post/ ? as yours a few days ago in the "techniques" forum. check it for more responses, the title was "soft-edge masking?"

goodluck
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: UK
Posted by gregers on Tuesday, May 13, 2003 12:04 PM
Hi I use a brand of modeling clay that i belive is called playdough in the states ...Gregers
Why torture yourself when life will do it for you?
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Iowa- USA
Posted by toadwbg on Tuesday, May 13, 2003 8:21 PM
Playdough! Ha! I know you are serious but it's just funny to hear that. I havn't picked up Playdough since I was a kid! Heck I used to eat the stuff LOL!

I'll check out that blue tack- Micheal's store just opened up on town. If that doesn't work- I might try good-ol Playdough
"I love modeling- it keeps me in the cool, dark, and damp basement where I belong" Current Projects: 1/48th Hasegawa F-14D- 25% 1/48th Tamiya Spitfire- 25%
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: UK
Posted by gregers on Wednesday, May 14, 2003 12:14 PM
Hi Toadwbg that stuff is called plastercene in this country and it tastes awful. For doing straight soft edge lines i use masking tape stick one edge on the kit fold it back without creasing it then stick more tape to it sticky to sticky. then mask the rest as normal.hope this helps...Gregers
Why torture yourself when life will do it for you?
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Green Bay, WI USA
Posted by echolmberg on Wednesday, May 14, 2003 12:41 PM
Hi gang! Just thought I'd throw my two cents in. I've had really good luck using poster putty. I've heard Silly Putty can be used as well but I haven't tried it yet.

Eric

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by Snacko on Wednesday, May 14, 2003 6:23 PM
Maybe I can pass along a technique I read about today. I haven't tried this yet, but it makes sense. Cut a template for your cammo pattern, and then using playdoh or other soft, non-marring material, place the putty beneath the template mask so it raises it off the model's surface 1 or 2 mm. If you use an airbrush, this will soften the outlines of the paint as it goes on.

- Snacko
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