PROBLEM: Tamiya Tape Residue

I just noticed residue for the first time with a piece of Tamiya tape.  I never had it before, but sure got some on a piece from a roll I just got not too long ago.  This was with Testors enamel.

How long was the paint on the model before the tape was applied?

In the past, I have had incidences (usually with Tamiya gloss acrylic) where if the paint isn't fully cured before the tape is applied, it can take on an impression of the tape's texture (rather than actual residue from the tape's adhesive).

The adhesive seems to interact with the underlying paint causing a "ripple-like" effect which resembles a fingerprint. This may be mistaken for residue, but the tape doesn't actually leave anything but an impression behind.

I have never noticed any residue left behind with Tamiya's tape as well. Interesting.

The taking the tack away with your skin oils trick helps with some tapes but I don't think Tamiya's tape needs any less tack. It is pretty much perfect in my opinion.

I was using Gunze Mr Hobby paints for the first time on this build, also i've never had problems with tamiya tape before. And thanks for the de-tacking tip, i'll make sure to use that next time :)

For the future...

1 - What kind of paint are you using? Some paints are more susceptible to picking up masking artifacts than others. I had the same happen with White Ensign enamels when I did my Lavochkin La-5.

2 - Did you "de-tack" the tape first? I stick mine to my palm or the inside of my forearm several times before laying it down. Still masks perfectly, but it comes up very easily with no residue.

Problem has been resolved - a clear cote has appeared to fix the problem nicely. There is still a bit left on the side, just below and behind the cockpit, but i'll try and work that into the weathering.