Help!!! Cockpit Canopy masking

[Guest]

I am having problems with this, canopy masking that is. I am using Tamiya masking tape on canopies that have had a single dip in 'Klear'.

I find that when I stick on a piece of Tamiya tape and try to cut around the frame, the tape slides and pulls. I am using a fresh (new) scalpel blade which is about as sharp as you can get but it still seems to drag the masking tape.

Does anyone have any idea of an alternate masking tape that will cut easily while stuck to the canopy? I just know my current ones are going to be rubbish when I un-mask them.

Thanks in advance....

[stona]

Hi Graham,I use Tamiya tape for canopies as well. It does take a bit of practice.I always try to use a tape which is wider than the part to be masked. If there is a straight edge I use that as an edge for the tape but often there isn't. An important step is to burnish the tape down into the canopy frame. I use a cocktail stick cut off at 45 degrees(ish). It shouldn't tear the tape or scratch the clear part. I too trim with a scalpel. I use a straight blade for straight lines and cut in the normal way. I always use a new blade and it is a scalpel not a craft knife (you know they are sharp because you don't feel it when you cut yourself!). I also sometimes use a curved scalpel and cut with a gentle rocking motion around curves. I have to admit that the tape does slip occasionally,just take it off and start again. Whatever you do canopy masking is a bit of a chore,that's why some of the after market people make pre-cut masks.

Cheers

Steve

Sorry,should have said that an alternative,used by some people is a product called" Parafilm M". Its a type of plastic available from laboratory suppliers.You stretch it burnish it onto the part (to which it sticks) and cut like tape. I would caution that it is not easy to use. I tried it for a while but in the end reverted to good old Tamiya tape.The only other thing is liquid masks. You can't apply them over Klear (most of them dissolve it) and I just get into a mess with them. It might be worth a go but I'm not the man to ask Lol!

[Guest]

Hi Graham, I use Tamiya 6mm tape, but I start at a corner with the tape pre-cut at about 45 Deg with Scissors so that the sharp edge goes into the corner of the cockpit frame, I then lay down the tape lightly, following the frame edge, then mark the other end, lift the end of the tape just marked and again cut this end at about 45 Deg with Scissors. I than relay the tape and press it down with a cotton bud. I always dunk my cockpits twice in Klear allowing 24 Hrs between coats. Hope this helps. Derek

[Guest]

Thanks guys. Suppose it is all down to patience and practice again. At least it is good to know the materials and tools are ok, although I like the mark and cut with scissors idea. It is just my technique that needs to get up to speed. Thanks again.

[Guest]

i like to use small strips of masking tape to mask the boarders first, then use a bigger piece to mask the inside

in addition, you can mask some details first and do the rest later

[Guest]

Mmm, that makes sense JFJ, forming and cutting a thin strip may be a bit easier than trying to shape and cut a wide bit, will give that a try also, may thanks.