Paint masking questions

[Monty]

I usually don't do more than one color on my car bodies, but I've got an idea that will require masking and I want to do it correctly.

Long story short, I've got some skinny flame masks (Jimmy Flintstone horizontal flames a little over 1/2" high).  The car will be shot in a lighter color, allowed to dry, then masked and a darker color (enamel) will be airbrushed onto the flame mask.

How long do you keep the mask on before pulling it up?

(Any other tips are also welcome)

[Bainford]

Pull the tape after the paint has begun to set up. In other words, not too long after the paint has been laid down. Do not wait until the paint is dry before pulling the tape. When you remove the tape, pull it back on itself; don't pull it straight up, and go slowly.

This post may have some useful info for you 

 

 

Edited January 27, 2023 by Bainford

[StevenGuthmiller]

And if you’re using enamel for the primary color, be certain that it is completely cured before masking.

Enamel takes much longer to cure completely than other paints.

Also, be sure that your primer, or under coats are something that the color sticks well to.

Most of the adhesion problems that I’ve had have been enamels sprayed over a base that doesn’t promote good adhesion.

 

 

Steve

[Dpate]

I only use lacquer on car bodies and just about 98% on everything else except I'll use enamel for tiny details.  I'm sure it'll be the same for enamel, but let it sit few mins and than remove pulling back on itself at an angle.