Masking headlights etc. for painting?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi gang.

I’m working on an MDC 4-6-0 and I am at the point where I can paint it. I already have the headlight, marker lights and firebox lighting in place. I’m going to prime the model with cheap gray solvent based auto primer. I am going to use MicroScale Micro Mask to mask the lights.

The final colours will be done with acrylic paints. Micro Mask cannot be used with acrylic paints but what I am wondering is will the primer prevent the acrylic paints from messing up the Micro Mask?

I know I should do a test first, but before I go to all that trouble I was wondering if anyone had any experience with Micro Mask in a situation like this.

Thanks

Dave

2

Not sure Dave as i never try Micro Mask before. When i built model airplanes and need to mask off the cockpit glass i use Vallejo Liquid Mask.

The bottle does say

Used to reserve areas which are to remain unpainted, especially in airbrush techniques, but also with watercolours and temperas. Liquid Mask forms a protective film on the area which the artists does not want to paint. Once the work is dry, liquid mask is rubbed off with an eraser or piece of cloth, revealing unpainted area.##

3

Mheetu:

Thanks for that. Now I have an alternative that is designed to work with acrylics.

Dave

Edit:

I just ordered a bottle from Hobby Wholesale in Edmonton, Al. Why mess around?!?

4

Ambroid also makes (or made) a blue rubbery masking material that has never given me any problems.

Dave Nelson

5

Thanks Dave

6

Hi. I use masking tape for headlights and do touch-ups with a fine brush. It’s a lot faster… Simon

7

I’ve never tried it, but would a drop of Elmers glue dried on the lens mask it good enough?

Joe

8

Another alternative masking technique is to use one of those hole punches with the rotary heads that allows different size holes. Or use a set of punches that come in a set and is used for cutting plugs out of wood. Punch out what you need from your preferred masking tape. The drawback is the limited range of hole sizes.

9

I’m with the masking tape proponents - faster, easier, and cheaper. I’d be worried that the liquid masking would accidently end up somewhere that it wasn’t required. If the tape covers a bit of the surrounding area, touch-up with a brush is easy.

Wayne

10

I have used rubber cement as a mask in the past. Just make sure you do a test first. Rubber cement just rolls off when you rub your thumb over it. I have never had a bad experience using it, however, there is always a first time.[C):-)]

11

Thanks everyone.

I’ve got the Vallejo masking liquid on order so I’m going to give it a try.

Dave

12

I’ve used little balls of stick-tac in a pinch. Roll up a little ball and flatten it onto the lens until the lens is fully covered. Picks right off when done.

Mark.