canopy masking

I usually don't mask the inside of the canopy at all no matter what scale.
If the interior color is different from the exterior color. I usually paint the interior color on the outside first. Then paint the exterior over the interior color. Being that the canopy is clear, only the first color you painted will show on the interior.

Besides as clumsy as I am with masking and painting these things. I figure it is safer for me to only work on one side and not both sides.

HTH

Paul

Normally, even on 1/48's, I do the same thing as Paul. In fact, it's the easiest method I know to replicate the interior frame colors in canopies (insides are mostly molded flat and devoid of detail anyway). For larger scales though, I would imagine some kits come with the frame detail also molded inside the canopies. Maybe for a perfectionist the aforementioned trick simply wouldn't do, as it would not give the correct illusion of depth specially when the canopy is opened. Though I haven't tried this yet, I think the easiest way to mask the canopy interior would be to re-use the same masks (assuming you use tape) used for the exterior. You may have to "flip" some tape "panes" since the sticky side will now be facing outwards. You may also have to trim the mask a little to fit on concave sections. Basically, you'll just be using as much of the exterior masks to do your interior to save on cutting new masks.

By the way, what project do you intend to tackle (or are tackling now)?

i am building the Fujimi 1/48 Messerschmitt Bf 109-6, kit #48002, it is an older kit (approx 10 years old). it is a pretty good kit, nice recessed panel lines, somewhat sparse interior, and barely any flash on the parts if any at all. the only draw back is the split engine panels, have to assemble fuselage first to get the engine panels to line up and fit correctly (kind of a pain) other than that i like it pretty well