How to mask off the windows?

[jimbo858]

Okay, I just got Twin Detonator body I want to use on my TL01B chassis/ripoff.  But, before I paint it what's the best way to mask off the windows?  I want to leave them clear so that I can see through them and into the chassis? thanks in advance...

[Big Al]

Hey,

There are 2 ways you can do this:

1.) Just cut out the window decals and trace them onto some masking tape and then cut it and mask away!

2.) Put masking tape on the outside of the body on the windows. Enough to cover the window and then take a pen and trace the outline of the window and then cut it out and mask away!

I have used both of these methods and they worked great for me!

Good Luck!

-Al

[jimbo858]

Al, should I use painter's masking tape? Similar to the type that they use for painting homes. Or is there another brand/type that you recommend?

[HunterZero]

Best stuff to use is either Tamiya masking tape, or 3M blue fine line tape. If you want to trace out a window mask, you can get some types of masking tape in sheets. Otherwise, I just mask the areas of the edges, and use cling film or cheaper scotch tape to mask the larger areas.

- James

[WillyChang]

All depends what kind of quality you want from your work... eg basher shell or a shelfqueen.

Cheapo beige tape gives fuzzy edges even if you manually re-cut the tape. But its ok for fill-in, just avoid the nobrands with dodgy glue.

For razor-sharp edges I use Tamiya's yellow tape or get 3M Auto blue tape. Contact (self-adhesive vinyl book covering material) works well too.

When I'm lazy and there's a sheet of window decals provided... photocopy the decals, lay doublesided sellotape over the paper, cut them out then apply. Paper survives painting with Tamiya PS spraycans (which dry very fast), but might not survive waterbased and slower-drying paints.

 

[TWINSET]

Sticky-backed masking film is great (and cheap)

Go for the matt stuff, it's easier to draw on with a felt-tip pen

http://tamiyaclub.com/CS/forums/thread/98937.aspx

[bugged]

Another little tip for postioning the masks, If you use a felt tip pen (Not permanent) and draw around window ( Outside of the shell ) And make sure the the protective is still on. And then when placing the mask ( Inside ) It will guide you where to put them....

Alittle tip i picked up, If you have shakey hands lol !

[pat*1]

If you are not to good at using masking tape you could always try liquid mask,paint it on then trim it up before you paint,ive used it a few times and i like it now....

[bugged]

I havent tried liquid mask, Im not that hot with a scarpel knife :'( To worried that i will mess the shell up !

[jimbo858]

hey everyone, these are REALLY good tips. things that I wouldn't have

thought of.  So, anyhow... Now, I've got to go get some of these

supplies to mask everything off with. BTW, I don't think that my Tamiya

Twin Detonator body came with any protective coverings.  But, the

Parma PSE Beetle body I have does...  weird...