Avoid Paint Creep
Prevent paint creeping under masking tape
Introduction
On the left is modellers' masking tape and on the right is standard decorators' masking tape. Both are very useful - when they work as intended!
Painting a scale model will almost certainly involve the use of masking tape to separate paint colours or to keep certain parts paint free such as cockpit canopies. There are several brands of excellent masking tape specifically created for modellers.
One of the biggest disappointments in modelling is when the time comes to peel off the masking tape in the belief that a model is finished at last, only to find that paint has crept under the tape. Instead of a clean line separating the paint colours there is a very ragged line that at the very least will require some time rectifying.
The Solutions
The solutions are surprisingly simple.
Solution 1
After the masking tape has been applied and the edges rubbed down, paint the edge of the masking tape with the colour of paint that the masking tape is hiding. This will seal the edge of the masking tape and if any seeps under the masking tape it will not matter because it will be the same colour as the paint it covers.
Something similar can be done when masking off clear parts. This time seal the edge of the masking tape with gloss varnish, such as Future/Clear and again this will seal the edge of the masking tape and if any varnish seeps under the tape it will not be visible.
The disadvantage with this method is that it is possible for a visible ridge of paint to build up along the edge of the masking tape and it is important to keep the coats of paint thin. Some modellers use matt/flat varnish to seal the edge of the masking tape. Because varnish contains no pigment it is easier to get a very thin layer that will seal the edge of the masking tape yet not leave a ridge marking where the two paint colours meet.
Solution 2
Make the first coat of paint a very light 'mist' coat applied with the airbrush at a low pressure. Keep the airbrush perpendicular to the surface being sprayed, so that the jet of paint is not forced under the masking tape. Let the paint begin to set for a few minutes and then it is possible to safely add further coats without fear of them creeping under the masking tape.
~~ Last updated Jan. 22, 2011 by Peter Hall. ~~