First time user of liquid mask

I use tamiya tape to mask canopies. I cut it into thin strip, then work outside in:

Once again, thanks everyone for the help! I have ordered the masks from Squadron, but will also play with the liquid version. The S-2 has a sort of oddball cockpit area so I want to make sure I get it right.

(want to see that etched panel!,) . It is unfortunate that the instructions are so lacking of detail on this one but I will watch the various on-line videos of other folks projects as I go. Gene, I am from South Texas.

Just finished a diorama of a Piper Supercub I transformed into a crop duster over cotton fields.

Joe

Joe,

I use liquid mask and love it.  The big issue with it is that you need to make sure it's mixed well, and you need to use several layers of the stuff to build up enough so that it's easy to pull off when you're done.  With the thick build-up, you can pick at a portion of it in the middle of the canopy with a pair of tweezers and start to pull it up without scratching the canopy.  It helps to scribe the edge of the mask with a sharp blade so you don't pull paint off the parts you really want paint on.

I like it because you rarely get bleed-under of the paint.  You can mask one of two ways; mask only the 'glass' portion, or mask the entire part, then cut the mask away from the part you want to paint.  

I also find the aftermarket masks to work well.  If I'm working on something with a ton of windows, B-29 or almost any German WWII aircraft, I'd probably use the masks.  If it's just a couple of windows, like on my Revell Apache kit, I'd use liquid mask, or a combination of liquid mask and tape.

Gene Beaird,

Pearland, Texas

Joe,

I use masking tape (cut with a metal rule and hobby knife) to mask canopies.

I've tried several different types of liquid masks and I really don't think they work that well for canopies.

Further, if you use the "Mr" brand (it's light blue with an orange cap), it tends to ruin any acrylic finishes - so, if you overcoat your canopies with clear gloss or Future, it'll end up fogging them.

When it comes to painting, if i'm going to leave the canopy open, then i'll paint it off the model and attach at the very end.

If i'm going to close it, then i put it on and paint with the fuselage.

One more point - no matter what, it's much much easier to mask when it's off the model, then attach.

I do, however, use maskol to mask things like wheel wells.

Good luck!

Thanks !!!  I DID find masking kit at Squadron, as well as a million more things to spend money on! Next step, an airbrush kit.  I think I shall take the advice of doing the canopy before attaching to the fuselage.

Seems more manageable.   Thanks all.  

Jo

Joe-

Check to see if aftermarket window masks are available for your particular model.  Eduard makes many sets and you can find them by searching on Squadron or Sprue Brothers.  They are well worth the price, usually 5 to 10 bucks.  Then after you apply them to the canopy, apply some Future to the edges with a small brush and let it dry overnight before painting.  This will prevent paint from seeping under the masks.  I usually find this easier to do before I attach the canopy to the model.

I encourage you to plug away at the hobby and watch your skills improve. Don't forget, many of us have been practicing this for 50 or 60 years and have had a lot of time to learn the tricks.  Like you, it has helped me cope with a major medical issue.  And you're right, the guys here are great, both helpful and interesting.

I use silly putty like Bish to not only make it easier to hold but to protect the interior of the canopy while I paint...if I do it off the model.

As an aside...if you would like to try another metod that works very well have a look over here and here

I prefer to mask canopies with tape. I'll mask them before attaching them to plane (easier handling), polish the inside (cleaning fingerprints), then attach and paint. If there is to be a canopy in the open position, I'll mask the open cockpit and I'll paint canopy seperate.

I very rarely use liquid mask. Pretty much just use it on tiny fuselage windows or nav lights. I have found that a couple coats of the stuff makes it easier to remove. It usually takes a little bit of scraping to get it to pop off.

I'm the same as Herch. I test fit the canopy, if its poor then i fit it before painting.

If you decide to paint them off the model, then here is a tip i picked up from a modelling bok. I have a few wooden cloths pegs which have been sanded so canopies fit over them. I attach the canopy to the peg with blue tac and then paint. Saves haveing to handle it.

Joe,

You can do it either way you like. I myself prefer to attach the canopy then mask. This allows me to fill any gaps. If the canopy is a great fit, I will sometimes leave it off and mask the open cockpit area. I would say that unless you have very high canopy frames you may want to use tapes on the edges and then fill the area with the liquid mask.