What kind of masking tape do you use?

[Geoffers]

I’ve got a good stock of Tamiya tape in different widths but have started using regular masking tape too.

I reduce the tackiness of it by sticking it on my forearm a few times before applying it to the model and haven’t had any problems with it yet.

If I need a thinner width I cut it using an Infini cutting mat to get nice straight edges.

Geoff.

[Flip]

Bob,
Tamiya!
Although I will qualify that a bit...
I use all the widths from 1 to 18mm. Personally, I am nervous about using the 40mm though. It has a slightly different look to it and it is MUCH stickier. I learned that the hard way on the Airfix 1:48 Tiger Moth - I had wrapped it around the struts that join the two wings together and, when I went to take the tape off, I snapped both struts! Easy fixed, but an absolute nuisance.

I will also sing the praises of the Tamiya tape with plastic sheeting. This is Tamiya tape stuck on to semi-opaque plastic film that extends either 150mm from the tape (Item No. 87203**600) or 550mm from the tape (Item No. 87164**640). The brilliant thing with these is that you cover large areas without getting tape tack everywhere, yet can still see what's going on underneath.

Alternatively, use the tapes from the first para above and cut up carrier bags - it's cheaper :smiling3: (just cant see what's underneath then :thinking
Regards,
John

[AlexBB]

100% support those who have said Tamiya, I also use the micro Aizu tapes as they are just brilliant for canopies and such.

However as a pensioner on a tight budget I also do use Duck masking tape from B&M when I need to mask large areas, but not direct onto the paint on the model, I use the Tamiya 10mm or 18mm onto the model then duck tape onto the top of the Tamiya tape and paper to fill in big areas. For me this works great and copier paper is cheap as chips well cheaper these days lol...

Also the Infini cutting mats are a great investment as mentioned up above.

One final point when masking on very delicate surfaces is to 'de-tack' the tape by putting on the back of your hand then pulling off again (check for hairs though!! lol if you are Hairy!!)

[rtfoe]

Tamiya tape still does it for me from planes to armour and 1/700 ships. Tried other brands and they left residue especially when the paint is cellulose based. They are premium priced so the methods for large area covered mentioned above is what I do too.

Cheers,
Richard

[Modler bob]

Thanks guys.
I understand Tamiya have good models (never had one Though) so their tapes must be decent also.
I'll give them a try.
I do have hairy arms, so have to be careful.
Although I don't mind loosing the grey ones ha ha

[Bugatti Fan]

Horses for courses with masking tape. Tamiya has been developed for modelling and is reckoned to be THE tape. Other tapes like the Washi tape from Wilko and normal masking tape have their used too.

[Ian M]

I do have hairy arms, so have to be careful.
Although I don't mind loosing the grey ones ha

I either stick and lift it a couple of times from the cutting mat. Or run it through my forefinger and thumb a couple of times.

[colin m]

I either stick and lift it a couple of times from the cutting mat. Or run it through my forefinger and thumb a couple of times.

I use my forehead. You just have to remember it's there before you leave the bench.