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Quality generic and custom paint masks, vinyl decals, and dry rub decal kits for modellers.

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Preparing registration pins for use.

Introduction.

One of the most important procedures with multi coloured insignia is the accurate positioning of registration marks. Depending on the shape of your insignia you will have one or two registration marks. Regardless of which procedure you are going to use, preparation of the pins for use is identical.

Registration marks are nothing more than a small hole in the paint mask.  The holes are about 1.3mm in diameter, just the right size to accommodate a large drawing pin which should be used for the registration pin.   Registration marks are cut into the vinyl during the production process and should not be altered as the chances of making good alignment will not be as accurate as those that have already been cut.

Single registration marks. The only insignia with one registration mark will be those with totally round markings that radiate from one point.  The RAF roundel are the best example to use.  One pin in the centre of the roundel can be used to fix the position of every colour required.   Multiple registration marks. It is necessary when a non-circular pattern is required to have 2 reference points to provide datum's for the pattern to be laid down accurately.  Insignia such as the US Stars & Bars and the German Iron Cross are typical examples.
Pierce the registration marks To begin this preparation work you should locate the small registration holes in the masks.  If you are having difficulty locating them, hold the mask to a well lit window or a bright light and you should then be able to see them clearly through the tape.     Using a fine pin, puncture a hole through the heart of the registration hole as carefully as you can.  Do this for all registration marks.
Install the securing masking tape. Using the provided silicone paper cut strips that are just a little wider than the masking tape you are going to use.   Having flattened the heads of the drawing pins (see Introduction - the basics) Lay the pin on a strip of silicone paper.  Cut a short length of good quality high tack masking tape and lay it over the pin centrally before pushing it down to meet the silicone paper tacky side down.   Run your mouse pointer over the image opposite to see the installed tape.   Tip:  I recommend TESA® 4316 tape or another suitable quality branded tape for this process.
Locate the pins in the registration marks. At the relevant point in your application process (see later instructions) install the registration pin into the registration mark from the back of the mask guided by the pin holes you punched into the registration marks earlier.
Ready for action Each registration hole on a mask will require one of the above prepared registration pins installing in this way.   Once done you are ready to affix the first mask of the spray operation to the model.   The picture opposite shows the mask ready for use on a 2 pin installation for the black colour of the Iron Cross.