Tamiya masking question

[PhilJ]

Hi all, I'm just about to mask up my spitfire for its next paint stage. I will be using Tamiya tape and I have seen people put this straight on to paint once it has dried for the next paint stage and peeled away once that was dry with no problems.


Is this safe? Will it just peel off leaving staight unaffected edges? Will it not peel off the dried paint underneath?


I'm using Vallejo model air over Vallejo primer.


Thanks


Phil

[john i am]

Take some of the tac off the tape by applying it to your trousers 1st or pulling it between your finger and thumb before applying to your model. I use model air exclusively and I've never had any problems with paint lifting.If I'm in a "rush" to get things done I use a hair dryer to speed up paint drying times and have masked over paintwork less than an 1 hour old.But at your own peril if you choose to go down the same route.

[rickoshea52]

I use it without de-tacking first without problems on enamels or model air. If it's something that you want to do for peace of mind I'd apply it to a piece of clean styrene plasticard or kitchen worktop first, I certainly wouldn't stick it to my trousers and risk introducing fluff contaminants.

[Guest]

Only time I have paint peel with Tamiya tape was when I didn't use primer and I also didn't clean the plastic before painting, so basically my fault.


You will be fine if you have used primer under your paint and let the paint dry off for a day or so.


Also, you may benefit from bernishing the edge of the tape lightly with something like a cocktail stick to prevent any paint creep, and don't spray the airbrush directly at the tape edge making it too wet.

[Ian M]

Add to this that once you have sprayed the second colour, remove the tape as soon as you are done. This will help avoid the step at the demarkation between the colours.

[Adrian "Marvel" Reynolds]

I use Tamiya tape all the time with no peeling, unless its Alclad Paints then watch out! As for burnishing the edges down yes do that but might I add that I the go along the edges with a brush and some Klear it seals the edges with zero creeping paint.


Adrian

[john i am]

Just like to add this masking was applied less than an hour after the yellow paint had been applied and cured with an hair dryer. I did de tac the tape on my trousers and then between my finger and thumb.as you can see there are no signs of contamination from my trousers/jeans on the paintwork but this could be a problem for others depending on how often you change your trousers!!! Mine are always clean! [ATTACH]109570.IPB[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]109571.IPB[/ATTACH]

[PhilJ]

Ian, I saw your post and legged it out to the kitchen to de-tape! I just pressed and burnished the tape edges and it was on for about 10 minutes I suppose.


Once again invaluable advice for the beginner guys so thanks so much I'm really pleased with the results. Tamiya tape along with extra thin cement, my word incredible stuff huh?


Ade, what do you do for alclad II paints then? I have just ordered a couple of different colours and may have to mask up a bit.

[Adrian "Marvel" Reynolds]

Well first I usually seal the first lot of paint work with a suitable varnish, on my Iron Man builds that's normally Alclad Aqua Gloss. Then I do use tape after leaving the gloss to dry for 48 hours but like John I use my trousers to remove some of the adhesion, I've also never had an issue with fluff or bits on my paint work.


Adrian

[rickoshea52]

I must trade in my horse hair breeches for pvc lederhosen then


But seriously, isn't the clue in the name - low tack tape?

[Adrian "Marvel" Reynolds]

I must trade in my horse hair breeches for pvc lederhosen then
But seriously, isn't the clue in the name - low tack tape?

Not low enough even when fully prepping Alclad I've had Tamiya tape peel off the paint.


I'll send you a PM with a link for the PVC Lederhosen


Adrian