Peeling paint with masking tape

[37403]

Hi all,

 

As an novice to re-painting models, I've got what may seem a stupid question to the forum - irrespective, it's causing me an issue and would like to see if anyone can help me out.

I'm re-spraying a class 37 into Dutch livery using cans. I had the yellow complete and went on to paint the lower grey. Having masked off the yellow, and completed the grey, last night I was gutted to see that the masking tape has lifted large areas of the yellow off. What have I done wrong? If I now go back to re-paint the yellow, by masking the grey, do I run the same risk?

 

thanks for any information

 

37403

[The Fatadder]

I have had the issue before. Two causes come to mind, too sticky tape and the model not being clean enough

 

I try to use paper to cover as much as possible to minimise the risk.

 

I assume you primed the model first?

[bike2steam]

Were you using 'low-tack' masking tape ??

[bertiedog]

Major failures with masking are too much paint per coat, not cleaning the paint being masked, and using decorators tape which is too course in texture. Tamiya tape is about the best low tack type, and obviously is made for models, and should not have too much grip, which may lift the first coats.

First make sure any primer or undercoats are totally dry before going on to the next step, which would be to gently sand, and or use compounds, to prepare for the first coat of colour.

Make sure the first colour coat is dry and hard, and then rub with compound, clean off, and then add the tape.

The adhesion of the tape is low and need no additional care. If other electrical tapes or sellotape is used, they can be made low tack by a tiny addition of talc to the surface, or handling the sticky surface.

Never rubdown the tapes, whatever type, press them down with a sponge rubber etc or cloth.

Make sure the first coat is light, then build up, do not wet it so that it fill the edges with paint, slow and steady is the answer to most painting issues.

Peel carefully, rolling away from the tape to minimise stress on the previous coat, and do it very slowly.

Repeat slowly for each colour, it takes time, you cannot rush painting.

Stephen

[tractor_37260]

Hi all,

 

As an novice to re-painting models, I've got what may seem a stupid question to the forum - irrespective, it's causing me an issue and would like to see if anyone can help me out.

I'm re-spraying a class 37 into Dutch livery using cans. I had the yellow complete and went on to paint the lower grey. Having masked off the yellow, and completed the grey, last night I was gutted to see that the masking tape has lifted large areas of the yellow off. What have I done wrong? If I now go back to re-paint the yellow, by masking the grey, do I run the same risk?

 

thanks for any information

 

37403

 

To help the paint adhere to the surface, lightly key the areas where masking tape will be used with 1200 grade we/dry paper used wet, and clean up any residue.  One of the best masking tapes to use for models is Tamiya, it's low tack and works well. You may find the Grey will also lift when masked, the easiest way maybe to strip it all and start again, keying the surface and using Tamiya tape.  I'm assuming your using Acrylic spray cans ? enamel paint tends to adhere better, with less risk of masking lifting the paint.