hi guys this is my first moddel so this is probebly a simple question i need to paint the black line on hms p of wales the one between the hull red and the grey top deck i can think of only two ways to do this 1 free hand or 2 by masking each side only problem with op 2 is will masking tape take off the other paint above ad below it thanks john

Hello, John!
This question would have been perfect for the Modelshipswrights page here on the kitmaker network. However, now that you're here...
I have painted quite a few boot topping lines and found the following procedure to work best for me.
1. Prime the hull and let the primer dry thoroughly. If you had not washed the parts before starting the assembly, I'd recommend to rub down the hull with some iso-alcohol or window cleaner before priming.
2. Aftre the primer has dried, paint the boot topping area black and - again - let it dry (at least overnight).
3. Mask off the line. Use quality masking tape only. Never use some cheap no-name stuff. (Been there, done that and have a stack of t-shirts to prove it!!!)
4. Paint the lower hull. Let it dry and mask it off. Leave on the masking until the build is finished. If you use Tamiya masking tape it may stay on as long as you wish.
5. Uneven paint appearance vanishes, when a throrough coat of clear mate coat is shot (airbrush or rattle can) onto the hull to seal it off and protect the colour.

HTHH

Cheers,
Guido

thanks for your advice its very useful i will have a go tomorrow also will tyr to remember to go on model maker site all the best john