Techniques used to Mask off a cockpit?

[TheTroyster]

Just interested in what you guys are doing on this issue? When building aircraft, often you have to paint the plane but you have that exposed cockpit you need to mask off. I've tried a sponge, tape, even toilet paper and they all seem to bring with them their own problems (broken parts, leaks, take forever to do -always that lurking feeling you're doing something really wrong).

What works for you?

[Avgas]

Tamiya masking tape, or just buy a mask set.

[RustyWarrior]

I've had some moderate success with simple masking tape on the canopy and fix it in place with a tiny piece or two of white-tak. Once spraying has been completed, I can remove the canopy and touch up any aberrations.

I keep meaning to try some of the rubberised lotions and potions (Maskol et al) to see of they work any better. but not got round to it yet. Perhaps when it comes to finishing off my Lancaster will be the ideal time especially with all those fuselage windows.

[TheTroyster]

Tamiya masking tape, or just buy a mask set.

I'm talking about masking off something that has no canopy - like a bi-plane or the Piston area of a prop plane / those areas.

[Willem]

I usually use some leftover foam sponge from aftermarket kits to mask up wheel wells and engine cowlings. Tamiya tape across the canopy sidewalls though this can be fiddly. I tend not to use damp tissue or white tack as clean up can take ages and because the material is dense can lead to stuff getting broken.

Funnily enough, I'm about to start the process on my corsair. Not my favourite job but at least it means one step closer to paint.

Hope this helps.

[Avgas]

Ah gotcha. Depends on the size and shape of the hole you need to mask (just coming up to the same issue with my latest build). I usually use Tamiya masking tape around the edges because it's near on bleed free, then just use a piece of plastic bag or something to cover the hole; attached to the masking tape obviously.

[Always48]

masking tape for me, i tend to place it on the aircraft sidewall to sidewall then leave it a day before cutting the external edge. i think it gives the tape time to bond a bit to the thin edges before being cut.
engine wise i dont paint the cowling on the plane, always seperatly then glue it on in the end.

[flundstrom2]

I usually use Tamiya masking tape around the edges because it's near on bleed free, then just use a piece of plastic bag or something to cover the hole; attached to the masking tape obviously.

Nice tips! I'll save that to my memory for some appropriate challenge! I guess, the thin, semi-tacky-static plastic foil used to wrap food would work as well, if just attached to the masking tape...

[Vleugelmoer]

I use Tamiya Tape and burnish it down with a cocktail stick, I cut the frame portions with a fresh scalpel. To prevent paint bleed on the canopy I usually give the edge a thin misting with either gloss varnish or Johnson Clear, Future or how it may be called where you live.

As always happy modeling and keep sticking styrene.

Paul

[Always48]

sorry i must of mis-read, i thought the Op was talking about openings. for glass work i do the same as paul, tape cocktail stick and sharp blade. generally i do a b,ack coat first, then paint the aircraft. if im lucky like on the su9 i mask the inside with blue tack and with a cocktail stick manipulate the tac so that the internal part of the frame is showing and fine coat a thin dash of the cockpit colour. however ive not the skills to do anything complex, just those bubble type canopys.

[TheTroyster]

Thanks so much for your feedback guys. All great advice which I will put to work.

[TheTroyster]

I use Tamiya Tape and burnish it down with a cocktail stick, I cut the frame portions with a fresh scalpel. To prevent paint bleed on the canopy I usually give the edge a thin misting with either gloss varnish or Johnson Clear, Future or how it may be called where you live.

As always happy modeling and keep sticking styrene.

Paul

That's epic! A cocktail stick - who would have funked it? Been using those things for olives all these years - silly me!

[TheTroyster]

sorry i must of mis-read, i thought the Op was talking about openings. for glass work i do the same as paul, tape cocktail stick and sharp blade. generally i do a b,ack coat first, then paint the aircraft. if im lucky like on the su9 i mask the inside with blue tack and with a cocktail stick manipulate the tac so that the internal part of the frame is showing and fine coat a thin dash of the cockpit colour. however ive not the skills to do anything complex, just those bubble type canopys.

That's me - stick to bubble tops - that way I can continue to drink beer while building models and masking is simple.

[NorthernModeller]

My preferred is to cover the canopy in masking tape and then use a cocktail stick and score into the frames of the canopy then cut with a brand new sharp blade. Works well for me

[Lysus]

sorry i must of mis-read, i thought the Op was talking about openings. for glass work i do the same as paul, tape cocktail stick and sharp blade. generally i do a b,ack coat first, then paint the aircraft. if im lucky like on the su9 i mask the inside with blue tack and with a cocktail stick manipulate the tac so that the internal part of the frame is showing and fine coat a thin dash of the cockpit colour. however ive not the skills to do anything complex, just those bubble type canopys.

That's me - stick to bubble tops - that way I can continue to drink beer while building models and masking is simple.

See, that's where you went wrong. If you drank cocktails instead of beer then you would have found the toothpick method sooner.

[dandonde]

Hi. I used to be a member here but can't find my log in. I'm back to the hobby after a 4 year break! I've kicked off my return with a 1/32 Revell Spitfire Mk II but cannot find any pre cut canopy masks for it. Has anybody found any at all as I'm currently at a standstill with this build. Thank you.

[Lysus]

Hi. I used to be a member here but can't find my log in. I'm back to the hobby after a 4 year break! I've kicked off my return with a 1/32 Revell Spitfire Mk II but cannot find any pre cut canopy masks for it. Has anybody found any at all as I'm currently at a standstill with this build. Thank you.

Well, I found this: http://www.aviationmegastore.com/spitfi ... art=125861 and this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Montex-1-32-can ... 1652742357

I'm on the go so I can't do more. I'll check in later and see what I can find.

[wookiee76]

Not for cockpits but i have used cotton wool and tape for open topped tank destroyers, just get the tweezers ready for any stray fluffy bits.