Masking - How Long Before

[jaxenro]

I am painting my Model T Speedster with a two tone scheme using Testors Extreme Lacquer (Graphite Dust over Charcoal Dust). How long do I give the first color to dry before I can comfortably mask it off for applying the second color? I would prefer to be a bit on the conservative side and I don't have a dehydrator to speed it along. I am in Georgia so it is warm and sunny but humid

[espo]

This will very depending on the type of paint and how much build up there is. I usually wait 48 hours. I know others who due it sooner and others still that will wait for a far longer time. This is why I play with plastic spoons. You can try different ways of painting without damaging a kit body. A tip if you aren't already aware. After taping and masking the object you're painting, give the edge of the tape a very light coat of the color that you are masking. Clear could also be used. Allow this to dry for a short time before moving on to the second color that you are spraying. This should block any paint "creeping" from getting under the masking and onto the masked surface. Before removing the masking run a #11 blade along the edge very lightly, sort of like cutting Bare Metal Foil. This should eliminate any paint lifting along the masking line.   

[jaxenro]

Thanks. With enamel I usually go a week or longer but this is sort of a metallic lacquer and I hadn't used it before