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Quick question about masking while airbrushing. I'm working on assembling a space marine landspeeder and I've primed and base coated all the pieces that will have my chapter color (blue) using an airbrush. My plan was then to paint the details on the interior of the cockpit and then assemble all the pieces (currently everything is in separate pieces except the missile pods).

If I do detail work inside the cockpit and assemble, how should I mask the cockpit interior so that I can do additional airbrush work on the exterior without messing up my detail work?

Masking tape sprung to mind, but that seemed somewhat fiddly to work with. I also hear there is liquid masking?

Any suggestions?

Second, related, question. When using the airbrush on the large areas of a model, do you find it easier to mask areas that will be a different color (e.g. should trim on a shoulder pad, connections between armor plates, etc.) or just do the airbrush work first and then manually paint over any oversprays with the desired basecoat?

Well I wouldn't consider myself an airbrush expert by any means, but I do have some experience with similar scenarios.

Imo, using liquid mask on anything other than flat surfaces is a HUGE pain in the ass. Masking in general is always a pain, but I'd say for the cockpit section you are much better off taping that area off. Don't use regular masking tape though. Get either the Tamiya tape or the Scotch painters tape (for _delicate_ surface - orange ring inside)... either of those will work without damaging your painted parts.

For your second question, again imo masking is a pain, and especially when it gets down to all that minute detail - I'd just spray at will then manually paint over...

I use Tamiya tape, Frisk masking film (works best on flat surfaces) and Blu-tac.

I am using spray paints for a general effect, not detail.

Most small details I just paint over- I only mask stuff if Im trying to shape the paint using the masking/stencil.

For some fiddly stuff on miniatures though, aluminum foil can be handy for masking areas off as long as you dont need a super sharp paint line you get with masking tape.

I intend to try my hand at basic tank airbrushing and I have some Tamiya tape for finer masking.

I planned on picking up t some low-tack decorators tape for larger bits but I have to wonder if anyone had tried everyday kitchen clingfilm?

Sgt Deadmeat wrote:I intend to try my hand at basic tank airbrushing and I have some Tamiya tape for finer masking.

I planned on picking up t some low-tack decorators tape for larger bits but I have to wonder if anyone had tried everyday kitchen clingfilm?

Cling film, not the best becuase it doesnt stick by itself- so you would have to tape it down, or wrap it which could limit how it can be positioned.

Although, I have gotten a box of Glad Press n Seal, which is a new type of plastic wrap that Im hoping will work for masking- but so far seems limited compared to lo-tac masking tape.

Don't use decorators tape on a painted surface - ALWAYS edge with Tamiya and build a paper shield which you then tape to the tamiya tape with the cheap stuff. Tamiya tape slices really neatly on an edge or inside corner, and is a LOT more flexible, and it really is low tack. Decorator's 'low tack' just isn't low tack enough, and often doesn't adhere evenly enough.

Thanks for the info Mistress and Winterdyne, hopefully get to have go this coming week.

Thanks for the advice! I have some aluminum foil on hand and will give that a shot. Otherwise I'll check out some of the specialty tapes you mentioned!

Thank you so much!