Question about masking canopies

I believe both methods that you have mentioned should do the job. As for the first application, ensure to press the edges of the window frame with a sharp toothpick so that it would be easier to cut with the sharpess blade that you have.

As for the thin strip, you can also use masking liquid. It all depends on the scale. For me, 1/72 - I will fill in with masking liquid while on the bigger scale like 1/48 - I would fill them in with more tape.

I've always thought using BareMetal Foil the easiest way of masking canopies.
Just stick a square of foil over the windows in question, burnish down with a cotton swab (q-tip), trim the edges you need to trim, then remove the excess foil.
You must burnish down the cut edges to prevent paint from bleefing under the foil. Noiw, just paint and then remove the foil. The stuff is so thin you can see every single little frame - much better than any tape I've used.
Cheers,
LeeTree

The baremetal foil idea sounds like it would work the best. Any idea where it can be had?

FSM had a really great article where the author used Silly Putty (yes, the thing you buy for your kids :D) to mask off areas...it works! Easier to use, without all that silly adhesive. Simply mold it back into the original glob and the paint's all gone.

As a side note, I built the Revell model (not as detailed, but somewhat similar), and found those damned windows to be a real pain. Silly Putty saved the day!!

Interesting method, silly putty. I guess you paint over the silly putty or what? Do you trim the edges after putting the silly putty over the windows? It's interesting enough I'll probably try it.

QUOTE: Originally posted by jroden144 The baremetal foil idea sounds like it would work the best. Any idea where it can be had?

I agree with Lee.
Bare Metal Foil is what I have been using exclusively for canopy masking for years now.
Any decent (and even some not-so decent) hobby shop should carry the stuff.
If you can't find any you can go directly to their website http://www.bare-metal.com

I'm a bit of a Silly Putty fan too, but I haven't masked a canopy with it yet. It would work though. The tough thing i find is that it tends to 'deform' when you're cutting it so it ususally requires a little touch-up. One of the best things about it is that if it isn't 'perfect' you can just use a small tool to push the putty around to your liking. I've also found that it tends to soften when used with heavier coats of enamel or lacquer paints. Just keep your paint coats relatively light and it shouldn't be a problem.

Murray