masking tape or liquid

Hey Chris, welcome to the FSM forum. Which version of the F-18 are you building. That is one of my favorite aircraft, I am currently working on the E from Italeri.

I mask canopies with Tamiya masking tape. On this type of canopy I cut it into thin strips and apply them around the edges then I fill in with a liquid masking agent.

On a canopy with several panes I just cut the tape to fit each pane.

This method works if you are airbrushing only. If you are painting with a brush there will always be some bleed through; no matter how well you burnish the tape.

I look forward to seeing some more of your posts in the A/C section.

thanks

that explains my problem ive been painting it on with a brush

Suggestion: If you are masking over a previously painted color, try painting along the edges of your tape with the bottom color - this will seal the tape and keep the top coat from creeping under the tape - brush on a couple of really thin coats so you won't leave a raised edge when you remove the tape

thanks, how do u and wat is burnishing tape

burnishing is just just rubbing the the edges of the tape down so that you make sure the edges are fully adhered to the model. it is not a form of tape

toothpicks are the best for burnishing...as they don't scratch the surface of the plastic...