wonwinglo
SMF Supporter
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2004
- Messages
- 6,754
- Points
- 113
- First Name
- Barry
Now you probably know about some of these dodges here but for the benefit of any newcomers or those that have encountered problems using tape here goes-
1/ When masking up using ordinary dime store tape always seems to pull off the paint underneath,try this,pull the tape through your fingers just enough to remove the excess tack on the tape and then place into position,if the surface will take it (ie over sheet etc) then use the back of a tea spoon to just blend the edge,what happens is the embossed edge of the tape grabs better.
2/ Rather than masking tape why not use electrical insulating tape ? this has many advantages over conventional masking tape,for one it will take a nice curve and secondly it gives a much nicer edge,if you find it too wide then get a piece of glass,lay down the tape and with a razor blade and a straight edge cut some strips,now you will really be able to wind in some curves such as those vintage scalloped leading edges !
3/ Dont have a decent rule ? well dont worry there are better things for free out there,those industrial hacksaw blades that they junk are perfect rules,big advantage when cutting is that due to the offset teeth the rule will grip the balsa or whatever you are cutting,go and rummage for those blades in that skip ! mark on any dimensions with an OHP (Overhead Projector) pen obtainable from any graphic materials shop.
You can customise the rules for different dimensions with the pen,say for example if you need to mark out a batch of chequers for a model.
4/ Quick cockpit framing is easy peasy with masking tape stuck down to a piece of glass,paint the frame colour with artists acrylic,cut into strips and apply with a barbecue spear,it looks good.
5/ Chrome gift tape has its uses,use as above for metal cockpit frames or for that die-electric panel lines on some fifties U.S.A.F aircraft,if you need different shades place a piece onto glass again and rub the surface with fine wire wool,this dulls off the finish.
It can be used for polished metal cowlings such as on the Hawker Hart,Demon etc once again use the back of the teaspoon to smooth down the edges,apply a coat of liquid polymer to seal the edges.
6/ 3M make a really good cleaner for removing sticky tape marks,it makes a good de-greaser and general clean up medium for our models,and your fingers as well.
Graphic/art supply shops are your source,a can lasts for ages.
Best way to try some of these ideas out before you touch your new treasured creation is to have an old 'test hack' model,use an overweight withdrawn from use airplane model to experiment on and put it to good use,have fun
1/ When masking up using ordinary dime store tape always seems to pull off the paint underneath,try this,pull the tape through your fingers just enough to remove the excess tack on the tape and then place into position,if the surface will take it (ie over sheet etc) then use the back of a tea spoon to just blend the edge,what happens is the embossed edge of the tape grabs better.
2/ Rather than masking tape why not use electrical insulating tape ? this has many advantages over conventional masking tape,for one it will take a nice curve and secondly it gives a much nicer edge,if you find it too wide then get a piece of glass,lay down the tape and with a razor blade and a straight edge cut some strips,now you will really be able to wind in some curves such as those vintage scalloped leading edges !
3/ Dont have a decent rule ? well dont worry there are better things for free out there,those industrial hacksaw blades that they junk are perfect rules,big advantage when cutting is that due to the offset teeth the rule will grip the balsa or whatever you are cutting,go and rummage for those blades in that skip ! mark on any dimensions with an OHP (Overhead Projector) pen obtainable from any graphic materials shop.
You can customise the rules for different dimensions with the pen,say for example if you need to mark out a batch of chequers for a model.
4/ Quick cockpit framing is easy peasy with masking tape stuck down to a piece of glass,paint the frame colour with artists acrylic,cut into strips and apply with a barbecue spear,it looks good.
5/ Chrome gift tape has its uses,use as above for metal cockpit frames or for that die-electric panel lines on some fifties U.S.A.F aircraft,if you need different shades place a piece onto glass again and rub the surface with fine wire wool,this dulls off the finish.
It can be used for polished metal cowlings such as on the Hawker Hart,Demon etc once again use the back of the teaspoon to smooth down the edges,apply a coat of liquid polymer to seal the edges.
6/ 3M make a really good cleaner for removing sticky tape marks,it makes a good de-greaser and general clean up medium for our models,and your fingers as well.
Graphic/art supply shops are your source,a can lasts for ages.
Best way to try some of these ideas out before you touch your new treasured creation is to have an old 'test hack' model,use an overweight withdrawn from use airplane model to experiment on and put it to good use,have fun