Process for canopies

[sheppsea]

Hi Everyone,

I was just wondering what process everyone follows when it comes to masking and painting their canopies?

I have been polishing the canopies first using the three Tamiya Compounds, then mask them (I think I will only be using the pre-cut masks from now on - they're so much easier!), then paints and remove.

The problem I have is that the mask seems to leave some sticky residue after I've finished and when I tried polishing again it removed the paint and generally felt very awkward with the mask being on the plane.

I'm hoping varnishing would prevent the paint coming off if polishing (I didn't in this case as it was the interior), but generally it strikes me there must be a better way of dealing with canopies

Also,what are everyone's thoughts on the masking tape style mask (i.e. from Eduard) and the Montex Black Foil style masks?

[mincemeat]

Hey Shepp!

I've never used the polishing compounds for canopies. A lot of people here and myself included give the canopies a dip in Future, let it cure 24 hours and be on our way with masking. Others prefer the polish method or just a brief wipe down and that's it.

I've used Tamiya tape as well as Eduard masks and the results are the same. The nice thing about Eduard is you don't have to cut your own masks, a must, I think, if you are doing a bomber like a Lancaster or the like. By using Eduard masks I have picked up a better understanding for masking compound curves, you have to use a thin strip along the edges and fill in the rest with liquid mask, tamiya tape or blue tack. If using liquid mask you should get that off the clear part within a few days. I've left it on for months and it leaves a fog behind that isn't easily removed, if at all. Experiment with a spare clear part. I've also used Bare Metal Foil as a masking medium, but it is a real pain to remove as well as leaving a considerable residue behind. Haven't had residue issues with Eduard that I recall, just unmasked a Corsair in the past couple of weeks with Eduard.

If you have some sticky residue left, try a cotton bud with alcohol or Goo Gone. The alcohol may strip the Future coat if you put one on. The mask is near the last thing I remove, after gloss coats, weathering and the final matte or satin varnish.

[sheppsea]

Thanks Mincemeat

I tried Bare Metal Foil as well after I saw a video where the guy basically sanded off all the detail and replaced them with paint (I didn't do the sanding off bit though!), I must admit I really struggled with that too

I have been using the Montex masks as they offer interior masks as well, which I like the idea of, but have some Eduard which came with some PE I bought for an upcoming Hurricane build so will give those a go then

[ElCapitan]

I'm relatively new to it, so I'm keen to see the advice here too. I recently got a decent result using the Ultimate sanders and buffer. I keep hearing about using Future, but have never heard what the point of it is. I would be keen to see a before and after shot if anyone has taken any!

Also I understand that future is called something else now, but have still never seen it in shops or online, so advice on where to get it in the UK would be good.

[Paul]

I don't bother dipping them, i will polish if needed and i either mask with tape and a shape blade or use precept educed type masks. if theres any residue left behind i use a cotton bud with some Ultimate airbrush cleaner on it to remove the residue.