canopy masking "stuff"

yeah u are thinking of liquid mask, i use bob dively liquid mask. it can be thinned with water and it is really nice when it comes to airbrushing, u can use it then, cut at the edges and there u go, u can also use gladware press n' seal. it works great with covering windows

I use Glad “Press n Seal” for masking larger areas for short periods of time. I’ve never used it for canopies, but I’ve heard of mixed results from members here. So be careful as it seems to leave some kind of residue if left on canopies for extended periods of time. (As is practice when masking canopies)
For masking canopies, I use stuff called “Parafilm-M”. It’s similar to Glad “Press n Seal”, in functionality but it’s got a much better track record and works great. I’ve left it on for months and it still comes right off, even after dozens of layers of paint. You can also use “Bare Metal Foil” as well.
But probably the most important thing when you are cutting masks off canopies is to use the SHARPEST blade you have. (Zero distractions and a steady hand doesn’t hurt either.)

Beware, you must use original Bare Metal Foil!!! I tried to use the Gold Bare Metal Foil to mask, and after a couple of days it left residue. And then I read the directions!!! And it said what I'm telling you now!! Vinny's right.....Sharp Blades!!!!! (A Handfull), and lock the cat in the other room!!! Those damn things are always running around attacking my feet!!!

Is there an online source for Bare Metal Foil? I'm not sure if I can find it locally.

http://www.bare-metal.com/ You can order diectly from them John.

Where would I be able to find "Parafilm-M"?
Also, when refering to cutting the masking material, do you mean that after you have painted the canopy line you remove the masking by cutting the edge of the line you want to remain on the canopy? If so, I think I just figured out why I always have that nice clean line lift off the canopy when removing the masking.

http://www.micromark.com/ will get you the parafilm. I can't answer your other ? though. sorry

QUOTE: Originally posted by tshoff Where would I be able to find "Parafilm-M"? Also, when refering to cutting the masking material, do you mean that after you have painted the canopy line you remove the masking by cutting the edge of the line you want to remain on the canopy? If so, I think I just figured out why I always have that nice clean line lift off the canopy when removing the masking.

about http://www.micromark.com/

Here’s how you do it. (at least this is my method...)
Before you paint anything, you mask the canopy with the “Parafilm-M” or whatever you are using. Then (with a SHARP blade) carefully cut away the areas that you want exposed to the paint. (In other words, you leave the mask on the parts you want to remain clear and you remove the mask from the areas that you want painted)

When you are done painting, clear coating, decaling, clear coating and dull coating, you then remove the mask from the canopy. (Usually, removing the mask from the canopy is one of the last steps of building a kit.)

Thank you! That helps me a lot. Now I will just have to practice maybe by feel to know where to cut away the mask. Plus, I don't care how many times I have to re-mask as long as I get the paint job done right. Thanks again.