airbrushing- soft edge masks - what to use?

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

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

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

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

Hi I use a brand of modeling clay that i belive is called playdough in the states ...Gregers

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

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