Humbrol metalcote.

Try using something like post-it note paper to mask. Something with less stick to it than regular masking tape. Other thing is are the polished steel and metalcote aluminum same brand, if not they may be incompatible. Hope this helps some.

Bob

Darren;

Your problem may be related to is the way Humbol polishing metcote ( ie polished steel) works. To allow the surface of the finish to be polished after applying to the model the pigments do not bond fully to the surface of the model, as you rub the surface of the finish it removes part of the pigment to give that polished effect. In fact if you rub too hard you can actually remove the paint altogether. This low level of bonding is probally the reason why the masking tape is lifting the paint.

Maybe the suggest from Bob may overcome the problem, but apart from that I have no idea how to overcome it. I don't think putting a clear sealing coat over it will solve the problem either as this tends to dull the polished surface.

Thanks Guys,

I'll give the post-it's a try!

You could try masking around your panel, give to your intented steel area a matt color overspray and go for steel on top of that. In general I have found that with metalizers it is better to plan ahead ie even leave the second metal panel blanked and then spray the second hue/color. I believe that metalizers should not go on bare plastic anyway (especially bloody ALCLAD....as i discovered to my peril)

hmm metalcote fun or what. Try low tack masking tape if you are not doing so already. What ratio is your airbrush mix? I have found this stuff needs to go on quite wet to adhere correctly.