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When To Remove Masking Tape

Usually I don't use masking tape because I generally go with one color for my models. However, I am going to paint a Grumman Albatross using

4 colors (white, red, blue and black, and of course Tamiya fine white primer). My question is: when does one remove the masking tape? After the paint has cured and dried or when it is still sort of tacky to the touch? Any and all tips and advice will be appreciated and useful. By the way, I will be using Tamiya rattle can spray paints.

Many thanks in advance.

Ray Austin, TX ===

Reply to
Ray S. & Nayda Katzaman
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I usually try to remove tape of any kind when the paint is set, but not fully cured. This helps prevent cracking, pull off, or peeling along the demarcation line.

But I've also seen pros waiting until the paint is fully cured and then drawing an X-Acto along the demarcation line prior to, or as they pull the tape off. Usually there's also a wet sand/overcoat step involved, and it's a gloss finish.

So, whichever suits your preference.

Reply to
Rufus

I don't know very many folks who wait very long. Of course, it depends on the brand of tape, but with regular run-of-the-mill masking tape, leaving it on for a week or more may present problems, and leave residue which has to be solvented off.

Tamiya tape seems much more tolerant that way.

Reply to
Don Stauffer in Minnesota

Also helps to lay a coat of clear over the edge of the tape at least, to seal it from the color creeping under; then that other guy's tip about running a blade along the edge carefully (!!) before peeling it off seems brilliant.

Reply to
z

I use the blue tape that you get at Home Depot etc. It is low tack and it will be nice to you. After I paint what I need to I usually just peal it off right there. I do it gently.I also pull back on itself so as to not put stress on the paint.

Dan Beavers

Reply to
Dan

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