Do You Mask The Leading Edges Of Wings In 1/72?

[Guest]

Like the title says, is it necessary or can you just spray from the correct angle and get a straight line? My subject is an F4U that I had given up on, that's now my test piece.


I've learned quite a bit, but there's a long way to go.

[Guest]

I should clarify: The underside is painted, now I'm applying the darker topside colour.

[Guest]

I don't bother with masking leading edges Tony. For one, I'd just make a hash of it & secondly, I find a spraying angle of 45° gives me a decent line twixt the upper & lower colours.

[Guest]

I've done three planes and for each I masked the leading edge. By that I mean I put a narrow strip of tape whose upper edge was the dividing line between upper and lower paint schemes. I then completely masked the under side to prevent over spray (upper side paint floating on to the under side., which it will do, at least it did for me). If it does over spray the underside would side to be re-sprayed, which would mean replacing the dividing strip (but with its lower edge in the dividing line). Then you would need to mask the upper side to prevent the under side paint overspraying on to it!


Its interesting that Patrick does not need to do all this.

[Guest]

I've seen a guy on Youtube do it freehand on a 1/48 model. As it's a guinea pig I might try a different method on each wing. I kind of suspect that, like Patrick, masking a straight and consistent line on a tiny edge might be beyond me.

[Guest]

The reason for my lack masking is probably twofold. I have a very efficient spray booth that draws away any over-spray & being an enamel user, I spray at 30+ PSI. I've found that lower pressures cause more over-spray than higher settings.

[stona]

I usually do mask 1/72 leading edges and undersides. I don't normally mask at larger scales unless I want a very hard edge, say to match a reference. Spraying unmasked at the correct angle gives a surprisingly sharp edge anyway, generally acceptable at larger scales, but you do have to keep the angle constant.


Cheers


Steve

[takeslousyphotos]

If I was going to mask it I'd tear the tape along the tape lengthways. yocouls still get a straight line but with a bit of a softer edge to it.

[stona]

In 1/72 even an unmasked demarcation will appear hard, that's why I mask. In larger scales it depends on the subject. These two Spitfires should illustrate the point quite well, and any excuse to post a picture of a Spitfire










Cheers


Steve

[yak face]

All i ever do tony is to use a piece of masking tape stuck lengthways along the leading and trailing edges of the wings and tailplanes , with the tape sticking out about 1/2 inch from the edge. Then i just smooth it to halfway up the leading edge and leave the overlap just sticking out level with the wing. I find this masks the underside from any overspray and also gives a nice straight not too sharp demarcation. Cheers tony