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.

quick question on liquid masking fluids. several companies have them (vallejo, parma, humbrol, windsor & newton), but is there any difference of note between brands? I'm looking for something that I can use for everything from paint chipping to masking off fine details (canopy rails, gems & lenses, etc.) while I paint around them. does any one brand stand out in terms of ease of application and removal?

I have MicroMask from Microscale Industries (the same people that make MicroSet and MicroSol) and I was not too impressed by it. It definitely worked, I just didn't like the way it behaved on the brush and surface I was masking. I use the Vallejo Masking Fluid now and I was more pleased with how it went on, so I would recommend it for sure.

Humbrol maskol is ok. You'll want cellulose thinners to clean up. For canopies though I tend to use Tamiya tape and an extremely sharp knife to trim it.

People use the masking stuff so someone likes it and it works for them.

I think tape is better for canopies, but Maskol could be OK for weathering techniques. Then again, hairspray, salt and Marmite work for weathering.