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.