Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Hi, guys. Have any of you got any tips on what I can use to mask off areas?

I used Humbrol's Maskol to cover my model, so that I could airbrush over it, and after peeling it off it's stripped some of the paint off with it.

I've used Tamiya's Masking Tape, which is ace for straight edges. I've not used blu-tack as yet, but has anyone got any tips on what I can use?

I mainly need straight edges, camouflage, and just to block off areas so I don't ruin any on other parts of the model with my airbrush.

you could always try silly putty, its good for shoulderpads on Space Marines, anything like that will work on contours, or another alternative for straight edges are post it notes, i use my scalpel to trim the tacky edges and it works well especially for airbrushing!

Make sure you are using good primer too! My valkyrie got paint ripped off because the primer was crap.

I haven't tried it yet but I have some Parafilm M. Use it in chem lab (and bio) to seal up containers so they don't get contaminated by air. I guess modelers use it too. It is waxy kinda so you have to stretch it to get it to seal, but it comes right off and doesn't actually stick to the model from what I have read.

Tamiya tape for in-contact-with-paint. Cheaper masking tape for paper screening (attach with tamiya, stick bits of paper with cheaper tape)

Masking fluids (maskol etc) work best on a fully cured surface (ideally with a quick shot of gloss to help protect it). If it peels your paint you may have put it on too 'dry' (ie your spray distance was too big, and the paint went on dusty), or you may not have allowed the paint to cure fully.

Interesting tip on the post it notes, may have to give that a try!

Use Tamiya masking tape. If you need to have curves in the edge use the really narrow tape.

Silly putty is also a quick and easy way of masking (doesn't leave any residue either) but will begin to run after more then an hour or so.

I tried liquid masking film but found it too messy.

i use postertack but im actually looking for silly putty....
anyone has a recommendation on where to get it ?

Varnishing before masking can help protect your paint.