About Paint Masks . . .

Advantages

• Highly accurate detail with perfect clean lines
• Colour accuracy is given by the paint stock you use
• No raised edges when using suitable paints
• Easy to use
• Because it's cut accurately it can be perfectly reproduced
• Highly authentic results

Disadvantages.

• Can be time consuming.
• For best results colours really do need to be sprayed
• Very detailing can be difficult to reproduce (I would recommend considering dry rub decals).

Best practice with Paint Masks

Paint masks are produced using the same equipment as vinyl decals.  They are therefore cut with incredible accuracy (±0,01mm). 

While it is possible to add the paint with a paint brush, it is much preferred to use spray equipment suitable for your paint system.  The paint mask is a special product with a medium tack adhesive that does not leave any residue when removed.  The mask material is very malleable and will conform to compound curves very well.  Because they are specifically designed to be used in conjunction with paints, the adhesive and the vinyl substrate are highly resilient to solvent attack.  

Paint masks are most popular with scale builders who demand the most accurate and authentic looking markings that can only be produced using this type of technology.

Preparation is the Key

I have produced paint masks from sheeted masking tape in the past and know the difficulties and frustrations that modellers can be faced with.

Using paint masks from Flightline Graphics you can save yourself hours of preparation, and at the end of the day, exceed the accuracy of anything that could be achieved with hand cut paint masks.

Before any masks are cut you will receive a proof swatch with a reproduction of the artwork including relevant dimensions.  If necessary, and where possible, they will be supplied to scale for you to print off and test fit before production.

Quality materials

The mask will work on almost all surfaces.  The picture opposite shows the high finish possible with these masks even on difficult surfaces. This is the opposite wing to the one shown above.   They belong to a 30% Ryan PT22 which has incredible scale detailing, pinked tape and stitching all of which have to be conformed to by the mask to give this excellent result.

I use a special mask specifically designed to conform to compound curves and difficult surfaces.  Using quality paints and compatible spray equipment in conjunction with my masks you will achieve outstanding finishes that are simply stunning. 

I would like to thank Richard Crapp for permitting me the use of these pictures taken during the construction of his Ryan PT22.

How small can masks go ?

There is a limit as to how small detail can be preserved when using paint masks, and it naturally depends on the markings you are trying to achieve. 

Pictured opposite is a serial number that has been applied using a paint mask.  The characters are only 4mm tall and are about as small as we can go with good reproduction.  At this incredible small size it is essential to use high pigment paints so that the minimum amount of paint is required to produce the colour!

Paint masks for Motifs & Nose Art!

Paint masks can be used to build up images that are made of a number of solid colours just like insignia to reproduce motifs and nose art with relative ease. 

These items are not normally part of the standard sets of masks and are to be considered as extra.  Prices vary depending on complexity so please ask if you require this artwork.

More complex artwork can be reproduced using DecalPRO® dry rub transfers. For more information on DecalPRO® please click here.

More complex Paint Masks.

You can combine paint masks with your own painting skills.  Shown opposite is the nose art on a Ziroli P-38 Lightning owned by Graham Buchanan of Tiger Models.

The artwork is for "Little Buckaroo"  and was created using paint masks for the main characters.  Graham then hand painted the finer details like the pony's tail, the grass and the detail around the shattering swastika. 

Again dependant on the complexity most things can be done with masks on a reasonable sized model.

If you are after paint masks for your pride and joy . . .

I am sure you will agree that insignia can make the difference between an OK model and an exceptional model.  It is important therefore to make sure you know exactly what you are after for your model.

If you are looking for information on a specific aircraft I may be able to assist, but it is important to stress this service is only available to my customers. 

For more details on how to enquire about paint masks please click here.