Canopy masking technique!

[Python_61]

Hi all,

This is my first post so if this has been suggested before, my apologies.

I have just returned to modelling aircraft after many years away and was looking for a technique for masking canopies that worked for me. I purchased a bottle of Mr Masking Sol R by Mr Hobby and followed the instructions. I covered the entire canopy with the liquid latex and cut away unwanted sections. Couldn't master the cutting, gave up after attempting my first canopy, not a pretty sight and I still have to try to fix it if I can.

So I came up with my own technique. I had some wooden toothpics so I sharpened the end of one, not to a point, but more like the sharp end of a wood chisel. I then proceeded to get an appropriately sized drop of liquid latex onto the sharpened toothpic and placed it in the centre of the window to mask. I simply then used that toothpic to push the latex around the window until it was completely covered. This worked better than I could have ever hoped. It is still a job that needs a steady hand and patience, but I cannot fault the mask, it looks terrific. I have not yet painted over the mask yet, but don't forsee any problems.

This worked so well I wanted to share this with other modellers. Again if this technique is already well know my apologies, I could not find it in this forum or on this or any other modelling site I know of.

Kind Regards

Python_61

[72linerlover]

Hi Pyton_61

First of all let me say welcome with us. As you can see I'm relative new to the forum, even if I have something like 40 years modeling behind me.

Your technique sounds fine. I've never used the Mr Masking Sol, but Humbrol Maskol. I make something similar as you, using a thin flat brush. Since Maskol is ammonia based, I thin it with a little ammonia and it lays quite well over the transparencies.

The only advise is to lay down side per side, because it becomes more liquid. I prefer the brush instead of your tool because it makes as a "shock absorber" if you don't go perfectly along the frame. Windex or something similar will work to clean the brush.

Thanks for sharing.

Regards

Euge

[Python_61]

Hi Euge,

I found I preferred the toothpic for this task, as in my opinion it was much easier to precisely control. But if a modeller can get an excellent result with a brush as an alternative tool, then they should use that if it works best for them.

Today I used the toothpic again on a Hasegawa 1/72 Nell bomber's clear canopies. Although the frame moldings were less pronounced as previous models I have used this technique on, again I was able to mask very precisely.

Anyway I am very satisfied with this technique and would love to hear feedback from anyone else who tries it.

Regards

Python_61

[kaysersoze]

ive been debating on ways to get a good 'curved' mask on some canopies (spitfire hood for example). would anyone know if pva glue could be used? i mean, put it on the canopy, let it cure, apply more if need be, let THAT cure, then using a new blade, follow the lines of the framework. after spraying, then you could just peel the pva off, couldnt you? or am i compleely wrong? ive never used anything other than tape for masking, so its poss you are doing something like i think?

Edited June 25, 2009 by kaysersoze

[72linerlover]

would anyone know if pva glue could be used? i mean, put it on the canopy, let it cure, apply more if need be, let THAT cure, then using a new blade, follow the lines of the framework.

Many people do wiith good results. Never done myself.

Pyton_61, for sure I'll try your way.

Sorry I'll be abroad in the week-end. I'm leaving tomorrow. You know.... Zelweg Airpower 2009.

Regards

Euge

Edited June 25, 2009 by 72linerlover