pre-cut canopy masks...

tho9900

Member since
July 2004
From: SETX. USA

pre-cut canopy masks...

Posted by tho9900 on Saturday, December 18, 2004 7:20 PM

whats everyones experience with these? I kind bah-humbug'd em for awhile, but the were included with my SBD-2 kit and I figured why not? I was trying a lot of other experimental stuff like using nothing but artists pencils to do the instrument panel, masking tape harnesses etc... so threw caution to the wind...

well after I took them off there seems to be a little residue.. anyone ever experience that? I do have to say the canopy as a whole looks quite sharp... and I figure once the paint cures, a little water, and maybe a little mild soap mixed in at best should remove the hazy residue... (hopefully!!! if not it doesn't look TOO bad!)

they seemed to take a bit more time to get on than using Tamiya masking tape and cutting them myself... I guess because of having to line them up... plus the fact I had to wear my magnifying visor as my eyes are prematurely going senile... once on, they were still lacking a few areas for coverage so I had to add a little Tamiya tape here and there to cover areas that didn't overlap good.

Getting them off was no prob, popped the edge of my Xacto under the mask, lift then using my fingernails to pull off... only a few issues, and no paint from the frame itself was harmed in the filming of this incident...

The jury is out on whether I use them again or not... I can't even begin to imagine masking a 1/48 Ju-88 or such canopy with these pre-cut masks.... I think it would be easier to use a 10/0 brush and hand paint it than mask with these... (I cut my own on the last Ju88 I did and it came out good!)

Just wanting to hear pro's and con's from other people... and maybe there's some tips you all have as to how to more easily get them on...

---Tom--- O' brave new world, That has such people in it!

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, December 18, 2004 8:14 PM

Yup thats the same thing I do on my helicopters. Mask the screens then cut the tape following the ridges. Once the paint is on their it's easy to fix your mistakes with a little paint thinner.

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tho9900

Member since
July 2004
From: SETX. USA

Posted by tho9900 on Saturday, December 18, 2004 8:37 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by peter64

Yup thats the same thing I do on my helicopters. Mask the screens then cut the tape following the ridges. Once the paint is on their it's easy to fix your mistakes with a little paint thinner.

speaking of helicopters (a little off topic but hey, it's MY topic!!!) have you ever done the HH-65 by Trumpeter? It's got a bear of a canopy.. nice vertical seam down the middle which takes major sanding to remove... just curious if you have done it and what your approach to it was..

yeah I might think on this awhile... while the frames were nicely even etc.. it took a LOT to get those masks in place... maybe if I was younger with 20/20 vision...

---Tom--- O' brave new world, That has such people in it!

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, December 18, 2004 9:53 PM

I've been trumpeting this all over the Forum, but the new Eduard masks are made out of Tamiya tape. I just got my shipment of the first ones, and I'm in love. My hand simply is not steady enough to make a realistic canopy frame freehand, and when I cut them from frosted tape, I always manage to leave a few nice long cuts in the canopy itself. So these new precut masks are a godsend for me. Especially now that Eduard is using a tape that will fit around curves, unlike the previous ones.
Tom

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Mark Joyce

Member since
March 2004
From: Placerville, CA USA

Posted by Mark Joyce on Saturday, December 18, 2004 11:47 PM

I'm definitely a proponent of pre-cut masks, especially those by Cutting Edge/Black Magic. I found that they conform and stick better to the canopy than Eduards, although as Tom pointed out it's my understanding that the newer Eduard masks are made with Tamiya tape and I haven't tried these yet. Personally, I find it actually takes less time to use the masks than using tape and trying to cut it. And I gave up trying to use Parafilm; I could never master the technique.

As far as the residue is concerned, I've found that touching the area with a piece of tape (or the sticky part of the mask) usually removes it. I've not had to use soap and water, or anything else, to remove the residue.

It usually takes me a couple of attempts to get a mask exactly where I want it. I try to get one corner in place and at the right angle, then work the mask onto the canopy from that point. I too have to use a magnifying glass, so don't feel bad about that!

One added benefit about the masks: I've found that, if I'm careful with the airbrushing and in removing the masks from the canopy, I can actually save them and use them again. May not be a big deal, unless you (like I have) find yourself building more than one of the same kit.

Hope this helps,

Mark

Ignorance is bliss

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tweety1

Member since
August 2003
From: Alice Springs Australia

Posted by tweety1 on Sunday, December 19, 2004 12:58 AM

I used pre cut masks once, and did not like the results at all Angry [:(!]

I have tried everything under the sun to mask canopies, from Tamiya tape through to Parafilm, and the only thing that has worked for me is BMF foil.

Place a square on, burnish with a toothpick, cut around the edge, and spray.

Gave me a nice clean frame, and yes there was a bit of milky residue from the adhesive, but I applied a light brushing of Pledge (Future), and it went away.

Wish I had BMF when I did this BV 141 canopy Sigh [sigh]

That thing took me 2 days and nearly a whole roll of Tamiya tape thanks to numerous stuff ups.

Foil, the only way to go IMHO!! Approve [^]

--Sean-- If you are driving at the speed of light and you turn on the headlights, what happens???

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qmiester

Member since
May 2003
From: Central USA

Posted by qmiester on Sunday, December 19, 2004 9:33 AM

To remove tape residue from canopies or other parts, I use a product called "Goo-Gone". Let the paint dry for at least 24 hrs after you remove the masking, then take a very soft rag, put a couple of drops of Goo - Gone on them and gently wipe the clear areas of the canopy. With just rubbing, the residue is removed. It also works very well (with a lot more elbow grease) in removing residue left by tape that has been in place for a long time. I get it at the local Ace Hardware and the local lumber yard.

Quincy

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tho9900

Member since
July 2004
From: SETX. USA

Posted by tho9900 on Sunday, December 19, 2004 11:53 AM

thanks yall for your replies... I'm gonna start with water with a touch of mild soap first... the canopy doesn't have any sticky residue, more of a haze to it. And it's visibly on the surface on the canopy, not in the plastic itself... almost like your car window outside where the wipers go after a few days rain... I wet the tip of my finger and most of the area I touched came off so I dont think it will be a biggie...

I will probably try these again, especially because I am itching for another Accurate Miniatures kit now (several of their kits include them gratis..... this is my 3rd one and I gotta say they are great! I could kick myself for not getting that B-25 yesterday at Hobbly Lobby's 40% off sale... I was trying to conserve money since Xmas is so expensive but I figure I wasted it by not getting it for 20 something dollars instead of $40...

oh well...

---Tom--- O' brave new world, That has such people in it!

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, December 20, 2004 11:32 PM

hey guys, Im new to the site so forgive me for my ignorance. I have trouble with the canopies too. Is there a link for these pre-cut masks.
I've been trying automotive pinstiping it works ok but I can't cut it down that thin without slicing off my fingers.
thanks
-brian

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tweety1

Member since
August 2003
From: Alice Springs Australia

Posted by tweety1 on Tuesday, December 21, 2004 6:26 AM

Brian, there isn't really a 'site' as such, but if you have a model you are building, or planning to build, then doing a search at the more prominent hobby suppliers web sites, like Squadron.com, they might have them for the subject you are making.

NOTE- Not all kits have pre cut masks made for them, but from the people here, you will find out the best method that works for you

Hope this helps
Cheers
Sean

--Sean-- If you are driving at the speed of light and you turn on the headlights, what happens???

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waikong

Member since
December 2002
From: NYC, USA

Posted by waikong on Tuesday, December 21, 2004 9:51 AM

tho9900,
Its not too late for the AM B25- Squadron has it for $24.99 on their flyer, doesn't reflect that on their website, but that's how they do it. If you call, they will confirm the lower price. Don't know if thats good new or bad news to you :)

My website: http://waihobbies.wkhc.net

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tho9900

Member since
July 2004
From: SETX. USA

Posted by tho9900 on Thursday, December 23, 2004 7:50 AM

QUOTE: Originally posted by waikong

tho9900,
Its not too late for the AM B25- Squadron has it for $24.99 on their flyer, doesn't reflect that on their website, but that's how they do it. If you call, they will confirm the lower price. Don't know if thats good new or bad news to you :)

hey thanks!!! That's the one I wanted too.. the AM.. I'm glad I came back and checked this!

---Tom--- O' brave new world, That has such people in it!

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tho9900

Member since
July 2004
From: SETX. USA

Posted by tho9900 on Thursday, December 23, 2004 7:52 AM

hey devildog... the testors site has a good set of guides for various modeling things... they have one on masking canopies, it's how I usually do it, what they in the guide..

it's here:

http://www.testors.com/hobbyist_guides.asp

---Tom--- O' brave new world, That has such people in it!

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