Custom Paint Mask How To! Create & Paint Your Own Markings For Your Scale Models. No Decals!

[@terryblackman6217]

I must admit it does look good.

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

Thank you!

[@cliffnelson1174]

Back in the 60s i used to make copies of the decal sheet on a heavy grade paper andvthen hand cut the stencils with a hobby knife.....it was labor intensive but this is a great idea....few years back tried making Decals off of my computer but that was a pain as well.

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

Very cool! True modelling skills.

[@franklewis4531]

I have some Tamiya Tape Sheets on the way to see how the tape works in place of the vinyl masking material. When it comes to painting the U.S. national insignia, I spray the blue first then apply the white over the blue. This eliminates the thin white outline I sometimes get by spraying the white first. Overall an excellent video. Thanks for sharing!

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

Thanks Frank, great tip! I think you will like the Tamiya sheets better over all.

[@glenflanderka6504]

Super. Thanks for sharing!

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

Thanks for watching!

[@KS-ModelismoAviacionHobby]

exelent 👍🏾👍👍🏿👍🏽👍🏻👍🏼

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

Thank you!

[@Moshavnik7272]

I have the Silhouette cutter and have used it a few times to create masks and stencils. Large, simple shapes come out nicely but small and complex shapes are hit or miss. I have found that using velum works well for some projects better than adhesive based materials. For accuracy in designing, I prefer to use Adobe Illustrator and import the files to Studio Design, the Silhouette software. The weakness of the cutter is its blade which does not always rotate smoothly. I wonder if there are more precise cutters that use a different and more delicate cutting tool without burning or otherwise damaging the masking materials.

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

Laser cuts would be the upgrade to vinyl cutters but they are pricey.

[@carlsmoot2939]

I just went through this process on my own build, not for the markings, which I haven't gotten to yet, but to simulate, the fabric tape on the flight control surfaces. Using a scaled blueprint from the Internet, I created the masks that cover the fabric areas in the Silhouette Studio software , leaving the rib tape exposed. This is painted with primer. After the masks are removed, the areas are very lightly sanded with a 4000 grit sanding sponge. When the later primer coat and final base coats are applied, the rib tape has a subtle look to it. This was on a kit that had no fabric ribbing detail, but should have because all the flight controls are fabric covered. As a final note Paul Budzik has a video on scaling drawings that is very useful for making the size adjustments needed for drawings in scale.

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

Thanks for all the great tips!

[@cliffnelson1174]

Cool beans....will check out that video and thanks for the reply..

[@robertmunoz7543]

HP laser printer uses white toner if you need to add one to you markings options arsenal?🤔 Jman

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

Thanks for the tip!

[@trevormctavish845]

I'm very interested in using a vinyl-cutter for masks, as my focus is on civilian airplanes. Have you experimented with small fonts (maybe tail numbers), and if so, how small is too small?

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

I have. Usually when the lettering gets down to under 1/2 inch tall, the cutter wont produce a good cut. With my b-17 build in 1/72 scale, the tail numbers I have to do in decals as my cutter could not give me a good mask.

[@trevormctavish845]

Thank you@@StyreneModelersHaven​it sounds like I'll have to look for an alternate for all those tiny registrations.

[@thewaltbrownellchannel9318]

I need help finding a low tack transfer tape.

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

By first placing Tamiya tape on your clothes, it becomes less tacky.

[@robertmunoz7543]

Seems silhouette vs cricut is usually 50/50 on ease of use?😳 Jman

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

Since I have only used the one, can't really say.