what are some good masking products to use for detail? I've been using masking tape and it has been a real nightmare. Any tips will be helpful. Thanks


David

For small details such as canopy rails on aircraft I use a liquid masking film product. Its a laytex that you spray on. then when it dries you cut out the areas where you want the paint. I've used this on aircraft frame rails and it worked nicely

I have used micro mask and Tamiya 6mm marking tape.

Mask the edges and than put the micro mask in the middle or do as the above post suggests put it on and gently cut out around the edges.

Cliff

Masking fluid works well, so do a wide number of masking tapes.
When you select a tape, it needs 2 important qualities :
1) it must seal off properly : no loose edges that allow paint to seep under.
2) you must be able to remove it without destroying the structure or the layer of paint under the tape.

The broad plastic tapes that are used to seal cardboard boxes are perfect for the first condition, but hurt the paint underneath when removing. The sticky part of post-it notes are excellent for qualtiy 2, but sometimes paint creeps under it.

As always (modelers guideline number 1 !) try your materials and techniques on an innocent object before you try them on a model. A pint of sweat saves you a gallon of blood !

Jan

My masking is done mostly with masking tape. If I need to mask a small area I will first stick the tape to a mirror then use a straight edge and knife and cut strips anywhere from 1mm to 3mm depending on the application. The length depends on what I need. I use these and mask of the detail. I will usually use these to get the edge and then do large covering from the strip on with regular tape. So its a strip or two in the nooks and cranies then regular tape from then on.
Another method is liquid mask as previously mentioned. Great stuff, most any hobby shop will have it. I have not looked at any craft stores in the US, but Hungates, Hobby Town USA etc all have it. Use as the others have mentioned.

Tamiya masking tape is great!, Micromark sells someliquid mask I have used. its ok. Parafilm M, I have tried with little success