Masking and painting invasion stripes on my scale/non-scale Bird Dog look alike.

[@voivode2591]

Hi Dan, I became really frustrated with the paint edges being pulled up when removing tape. Then I realized that I was just being impatient. I started using the same care in removing the tape as putting it on. Holding the tape at an angle and as close to the surface as possible. I could watch and if it looked like the paint was coming up I could lightly touch it with an exacto knife. That definitely made a huge difference. Also pulling it off as soon as it was dry to the touch. I started shooting a anti bleed clear coat between color changes and between final paint and decals. I am doing mostly foamies. I will share some pics of my PC21 when it’s finished.

[@Capgains7777]

Foamies have always been tough for me to get paint to stick to. I don’t know if it’s the composition of the actual foam, or the surface prep. Even after getting the paint on it seems really easy to bump the paint and a chunk just comes off, which is obviously lack of adhesion. What paint are you using on your Pilatus?

[@voivode2591]

I use acrylic. It doesn’t seem to really matter if it’s cheap or expensive. What I did find that works is the Polycrylic method. It depends how smooth of an end finish I want. Weight is a consideration. If the foam is pretty rough I don’t care what the paint looks like as long as it is sticking. I lightly sand it. I mean really light not breaking up the surface of the foam. Any loose paint from the release agent still being on the foam comes off. I wipe it down with denatured alcohol. If it’s really rough I apply a coat of polycrylic with a foam brush. If it’s a better quality model I use the aerosol can. This provides a tough undershell for anything else I do. Once it’s dry I can sand it and determine how to address any defects. Fill and sand time. Then I do my color coats. I shoot a bleed checker clear along areas that will be painted a different color or where different colored decals will be applied. This prevents the paint and the final coat of polycrylic I shoot the entire airplane with from pulling the dye out. It really important for protecting white areas. I really like the result I have been getting. The models also have a higher resistance to hanger rash.

[@earlpeck4885]

Good job Dan. I'm going to be embarrassed to even bring mine to the field if your around.

[@Capgains7777]

Naw, I'll clear out any enemy tanks near the runway so your beautiful FK can make it out unscathed.

[@earlpeck4885]

Tanks a lot Bud!@@Capgains7777

[@stevejones9044]

Good idea not painting black under the star and bars decal. I like callie-graphics products plus Callie is really friendly with questions and requests. I asked for a custom cockpit panel decal and she just wanted dimensions and an image of what I was looking for.

[@Capgains7777]

It’s pretty amazing the materials she has that aren’t on the website. She came up with some really cool looking decals for Mark’s new Fly Baby. Great outfit.