Paint Mask

[Mike Griffin]

Something I am not familiar with is paint mask.  Is there a self adhesive paper you can use to cut out a design, pull the protective backing off, smooth down on the surface, paint the stencil you created, and then pull off the masking without pulling paint up?  If yes, what is it called and where can you order it from?

Thank you

Mike

[Jim Fruit]

Mike:

It is called "frisket paper". It is semi opaque so that you can trace images through it if that is the plan. Or you can draw an original image on it. You then can cut out the image to create a stencil. It has a light adhesive on it that is protected by a second sacrifice sheet, much like monocote or others. The resulting stencil is very thin and creates very little edge height once the paint is applied. Like all other stencil materials, burnish the edge with your fingernail to prevent any bleed under the stencil. It comes in a role. It is usually available in any legitimate blueprint shop.

Jim Fruit

[Mike Griffin]

Jim thank you very much for that clear explanation.  I knew there was something that people use for painting designs but just did not know what it was called.  I appreciate you taking the time to explain that.

Mike

[Randy Cuberly]

I have used common shelf paper to cut stencils from.
It's not as thin as the frisket paper and is not transparent, but a whole lot easier to find and much cheaper.
Test the adhesive before you use it.  I've never had a problem but have heard that some is stickier than others.

Randy Cuberly

[Avaiojet]

Mike,

Just walk into your local sign shop and tell them what you would like to do. Ask for "mask" material.

My guess is, they will give you samples for free.

Probably enough to pull off what it is you would like to do.

I've said this many times.

Good luck!

Charles

[Paul Taylor]

Mike
You can have the mask cut out at the sign shop. If you have a file they can cut it for you. And it might not cost much.
I got my mask and AMA numbers for 20 bucks!

[Clint Ormosen]

Mike, after your stencil is down, always shoot a little clear over it to seal it down. Way less likely to get color bleed under that way.

[Eric Viglione]

Personally, I'd call Derek Barry for some kick butt stencils, but, I have done it by hand in the past. Trouble is, your hand usually isn't as steady or accurate as a machine.
It helps if you have a light table handy with a transparent cutting board.

Here's how I did my Cavalier with frisket paper: I printed the Cavalier and my AMA numbers on plain paper. Then I stacked it with the frisket paper and taped it to the light table. I cut through both with a #11 blade.
See pic for visual.

EricV

[Brett Buck]

Personally, I'd call Derek Barry for some kick butt stencils...

   Derek deviates from his laser-like focus on the glorious struggle against the evils of electric propulsion to make paint stencils?

    Brett

[Mike Griffin]

Thank you all for the help.  I will do a little practice and see what I can come up with.  It sure is nice to have friends to help you when you need it.. much obliged guys....

Mike

[Paul Smith]

Here's some of the three-part mask I got from Avaio.

The yellow is the actual mask.  They's a backing to protect the sticky and a front cover to keep the small parts aligned.

[Jorge de Azevedo]

Mike,
When the glue of the mask and/or transfer is very strong or the glue surface is very large, I use to weaken it doing what is on the photos.

[Allan Perret]

Mike:  You can get Frisket or paint mask from Dixie Art in Elmwood.

[Derek Barry]

   Derek deviates from his laser-like focus on the glorious struggle against the evils of electric propulsion to make paint stencils?

    Brett

I do make stencils, I do not deviate.

Derek

[Tim Wescott]

There are at least two modelers that I know of in the PNW with vinyl cutting machines, and I suspect there are much more.  Ask around.

One of the recent times that this discussion came up it was mentioned that the vinyl mask material can be had with various adhesive strengths.  You want to get one that has mild adhesion, so it won't pull up paint.

And, if you want to hand-cut, I second the choice of friskit paper.  It's great stuff.

[Avaiojet]

There are at least two modelers that I know of in the PNW with vinyl cutting machines, and I suspect there are much more.  Ask around.

One of the recent times that this discussion came up it was mentioned that the vinyl mask material can be had with various adhesive strengths.  You want to get one that has mild adhesion, so it won't pull up paint.

And, if you want to hand-cut, I second the choice of friskit paper.  It's great stuff.

If paint is applied properly, no masking material should lift the paint.

The mask material can be heated a tad to aid in easier removal.

Frisket is OK, but isn't as pliable as masking material.

This painting was accomplished with frisket and airbrush only. No brushes were used. Only painting I ever did with an airbrush.

I provided the masks which were used on these customer's models. You've seen the Avenger. Masks were used for the British flag only. Yes, it's pink.

Masking materials, includng "spray masking" liquids and "brush masking" liquids, have been around for a long long time. Nothing difficult about using them and it's quite easy to cut your own, with or without a cutter.

Derek's work is a tribute. Outstanding! A modeler doing his own art and graphics.

For the amateur, the secret lies at your local sign shop.   

Charles

[Mark Scarborough]

Mike,
When the glue of the mask and/or transfer is very strong or the glue surface is very large, I use to weaken it doing what is on the photos.


with all due respect,, ARGHHH I would not touch mask to anything fabric,, it can pick up fibers which will then lead to potential problems with the mask,,
and oil,, on a surface I will paint? never ,

my opinion,, if it works for you then continue,, but it gives me bad vibes,,

[Mike Griffin]

Thank you all for your help on this. Allan I picked up some mask at Dixie Art today.  It is called ARTmask.    It is a medium tack and is 18" wide by 10 yards long..  It is made by Artool Co in Portland, Oregon.

Mike

[Igor Burger]

I use special masking vinil foil. Paper type is not so good, because it does not stretch and so it can make problems on not so perfect surfaces (not unfoldable to area).

The color is usually gray or green and they are semitransparent, so you can see where it goes and so it is easy to match previouse color. The surface does not stick to color, so it is easy to remove also on color edges. You will need also another even less sticking foil for ttransfering. so you can transfere mask to model as one piece consisting from many small details, and then remove that transfer foil before sparying and the remove also mask.