how do you mask a ships hull to paint a water line

[bpgeygolpher]

I am curious as to what I should be using to mask paper models for painting.

In tests I tried drafting masking tape and the results were not very good. Sometimes it came off clean and sometimes the paper ripped. I also tried using the blue painters tape with the same results. I tried low tack artists tape which released from the paper with no problems, but the paint bled under the tape.

The test pages were sprayed with clear acrylic before any of the testing was done. I do not have air brush equipment so I am using a brush.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Paul

[Lighter]

Originally Posted by bpgeygolpher

I tried low tack artists tape which released from the paper with no problems, but the paint bled under the tape. . . The test pages were sprayed with clear acrylic

After taping spray again with the clear acrylic to seal the edge of the tape. When brushing try to not work the joint between tape and hull. Particularly, don't brush against that joint.

There is a possibility that the acrylic hasn't sealed the paper enough. Bleed will happen in that case when brushing. So do a very light coat of paint and keep it dry. Don't worry about perfect coverage with that first coat. Then come back and do it again to slowly build up the finish.

[scon10]

Another possibility is the masking fluid, that aquarelists use to mask parts of the paper to avoid getting paint there. It is a sort of liquid rubber, that you apply with a brush, let dry and then paint the bare paper. The rubber quite effectively seals off the the underlying part. Afterwards, you just peel of the rubber. It should be available in art shops

[Rubenandres77]

I've used Tamiya masking tape (yellow, several widths) to hold paper parts while they dry.
I have never had any issue of ripping the surface of the paper (paper was sealed beforehand), and doesn't leave any marks.

Tamiya tape is excellent for painting plastic models.
Adheres well but without sticking strongly to the parts. If properly burnished, the edge always comes clean.
It has a surface that prevents bleeding (at least on plastic parts).

And since it doesn't damage the paper when I use it, I believe it could also work nicely when painting paper parts. You may need to seal it gently with a thin coat to prevent bleeding on paper.

Regards,

[Lighter]

Originally Posted by Rubenandres77

I've used Tamiya masking tape (yellow, several widths)

Ditto - Great stuff

[lapalma]

First I paint the hull with 25% diluted white glue. This reinforces the paper.
The hull should be double planked with at least 2 laminated paper layers. If not skip this step.

Paint the hull with white acrylic paint, 2 base layers.
Then varnish with water based acrylic varnish.

After drying, the mask tape will not damage the hull.
You can perfectly paint any color on the acrylic varnish.

hope this helps

[bpgeygolpher]

lapalma, thanks for your input. What you say makes perfect sense.

I guess I am just lazy and was looking for a quick and easy solution. I did purchase Tamiya tape and will be trying it when appropriate.

I have noticed that a number of members use fillers on hulls to fill cracks and control the "Wavyness" one can get. Of course once that has been done the hull will probably need painting, hence my question.

Thanks to everyone for their advice.

Paul

[lapalma]

Thanks

Do not get confused with water Based varnish and acrylic varnish, both are water based

Don't use water based varnish, That's for wood mostly furniture.
Use Acrylic varnish, you can find that in artist shops where you also find acrylic artist paints.

good luck