Masking tape for curves .

[LEGION 12]

I always have a hard time with painting waterlines on my hulls  , I am using Tamiya tape and was wondering if there is something better out there ? Thanks in advance .  Edit to add I build plastic ship models . 

Edited September 1, 2023 by LEGION 12
Added more info .

[Tomculb]

Tamiya makes masking tape for curves, in various widths.  I've seen it on their website and also on Amazon, maybe other places as well.

[LEGION 12]

1 minute ago, Tomculb said:

Tamiya makes masking tape for curves, in various widths.  I've seen it on their website and also on Amazon, maybe other places as well.

The white stuff ? If so I have some but for some reason it doesn't seem to work for me . 

[Snug Harbor Johnny]

  Back in the day (before power point and other graphic display aids) manual wall charts were done with a product called 'Chartpack', both for grids and also graphing lines.  'Don't know if any of that stuff is around today (probably not, and the sticky side like is gummy), but the top part was made of stretchable plastic that could go around curves, and came in a number of colors.

[Bob Cleek]

Chartpak graphic tape is still readily available. Good stuff, but not specificially designed for masking. https://www.staples.com/chartpak-graphic-chart-tape-glossy-black-1-16-x-648-bg6201/product_909815?cid=PS:MS:SBD:PLA:OS&msclkid=31dd847c9edb12ca8a61e08eaf6a5f95&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%23PLA%2F_(1)_BNG_(2)_US_(7)_GEN_(9)_Office Supplies|&utm_term=4581252648129840&utm_content=All Products&dclid=CMmJpfiJioEDFWXArQAdoK0E5A

 

I've found Tamiya a bit pricey and often wider than needed, which makes taping curved edges somewhat more difficult. My "go to" for masking fine lines is 3M (Scotch) Fine Line masking tape sold primarily for auto painting jobs. It comes in varying widths: 1/8", 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2".  Not cheap, either, but a roll will last practically forever for modeling purposes. Most auto body and fender supply shops have it on hand.  https://www.amazon.com/3M-06302-Fine-Line-Masking/dp/B00HSCMCL8/ref=sr_1_10?adgrpid=1337006711851222&hvadid=83563242241651&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=43893&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-83563282543041%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=2082_13504107&keywords=3m+fine+line+masking+tape&qid=1693594490&sr=8-10

 

There's also another brand similar to 3M's that looks the same and may be less costly, although I haven't tried it. It's called "Lime Line." https://www.amazon.com/s?k=3m+fine+line+masking+tape&adgrpid=1337006711851222&hvadid=83563242241651&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=43893&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-83563282543041%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=2082_13504107&tag=mh0b-20&ref=pd_sl_1c1kh9zkry_e

 

I'll add the reminder that all masking tapes, and particularly the expensive fine line stuff, should be kept in a ziplock plastic bag at all times when not being used to prevent the adhesive from drying out. Also, tape rolls should never be laid down flat so that their sides can pick up dust and grit. If the side of the roll is contaminated with dirt, the edge of the tape will carry that dirt and grit to the work and you'll end up with ragged edges and dirt in your paint job. Always keep your tape in a zipped up plastic bag and don't lay it down anywhere except in the bag!  

Edited September 1, 2023 by Bob Cleek

[LEGION 12]

Wow that 3M tape is expensive , but I know you get what you pay for , I have a friend in the auto body business see if he can get me some . Great advice about storing your tape , perhaps some of mine has dried out . 

[Dr PR]

Here is a tip I picked up years ago to eliminate bleed through under the tape.

 

Suppose you have already painted one color (say black) and now you want to mask it off and paint another color (say white). If the white bleeds under the tape you will have a ragged edge between the black and white.

 

After applying the tape paint a light thin coat of black along the tape edge. If the paint bleeds it will be black on black, and it will seal any leaks. After the black dries paint over it with the white.

 

If you get a fine bead/ridge of dried paint where the edge of the tape was you can remove it by carefully and GENTLY scraping with a knife blade held perpendicular to the surface (scrape, not cut). Or you can sand the entire surface lightly with fine grit sandpaper and then spray a clear coat over it to get the desired finish (glossy, satin, flat).

[Cold_Fire]

The best source for different types and sizes of masking tape is your nearest automotive paints and refinish store.

[allanyed]

Pinstriping tape from automotive stores or the internet works very well.  Further to Phil's post #7, if you are painting a stripe that will be bordering on bare wood, spray a clear coat once the tape is on to seal the edges.  It will prevent/minimize bleed through when you paint the final color just a Phil explains when using paint to seal the edges.

Allan

[DocRob]

With my modest experience with wooden hulls, Tamiya Kabuki tape or the yellow Tesa equivalent worked good. It adheres good enough on wood and has a certain flex for slight curves.
The white flexible Tamiya tape worked well for me on plastic models, but I never used it on wood and I can imagine, adhesion wouldn't be the best.

 

Cheers Rob

[DaveBaxt]

On 10/21/2023 at 11:49 AM, allanyed said:

Pinstriping tape from automotive stores or the internet works very well.  Further to Phil's post #7, if you are painting a stripe that will be bordering on bare wood, spray a clear coat once the tape is on to seal the edges.  It will prevent/minimize bleed through when you paint the final color just a Phil explains when using paint to seal the edges.

Allan

When you mention using spray a clear coat to seal the edges, can we using shelac instead or if not can you be more specific please. Also can the clear coat be applied by a brush?

[Keith_W]

3 hours ago, DaveBaxt said:

When you mention using spray a clear coat to seal the edges, can we using shelac instead or if not can you be more specific please. Also can the clear coat be applied by a brush?

 

You can use shellac, but I would not recommend it. You don't know how your paint is going to react to shellac. It is better to use a clear flat base from the same manufacturer as your paint. 

[DaveBaxt]

Thank you for your quick response and for clearing that up for me. Best regards Dave