Best Liquid Mask product?

[Coelacanth]

A few comments based on my own experiences, trial & error...

-Don't buy an HVLP gun unless you have a hefty air compressor. Those guns need a LOT of air volume to atomize paint properly, and pancake compressors are far too weak. For better results, buy an LVLP gun, which are pretty similar except they will function much better with smaller compressors. I had no end of problems with my paint projects, terrible orange peel with paint and clearcoats using a few different HVLP guns and a pancake compressor until I discovered this.

-I use FasMask, I think it works as good as any liquid mask. Make sure you brush on at least 3 coats though, or it'll be too thin and a righteous pain to peel off; it'll only come off in tiny bits at a time.

-I still use tape masks for various things, including straight lines...the only tape I've found that works really well without paint bleed is Tamiya's yellow masking tapes, that come in various widths. Expensive but works better than 3M Fine Line tape (the blue stuff) or any other masking tape I've tried. The Tamiya tape is thinner and can be curved or bent a bit better, or simply cut your lines into it with an X-Acto knife.

[mikea96]

I use a pancake compressor for my mini hvlp and have had zero problems with the liquid mask. You spray several light coats letting each coat dry between so it has no problem keeping up.

[GreenBar0n]

A few comments based on my own experiences, trial & error...

-Don't buy an HVLP gun unless you have a hefty air compressor. Those guns need a LOT of air volume to atomize paint properly, and pancake compressors are far too weak. For better results, buy an LVLP gun, which are pretty similar except they will function much better with smaller compressors. I had no end of problems with my paint projects, terrible orange peel with paint and clearcoats using a few different HVLP guns and a pancake compressor until I discovered this.

-I use FasMask, I think it works as good as any liquid mask. Make sure you brush on at least 3 coats though, or it'll be too thin and a righteous pain to peel off; it'll only come off in tiny bits at a time.

-I still use tape masks for various things, including straight lines...the only tape I've found that works really well without paint bleed is Tamiya's yellow masking tapes, that come in various widths. Expensive but works better than 3M Fine Line tape (the blue stuff) or any other masking tape I've tried. The Tamiya tape is thinner and can be curved or bent a bit better, or simply cut your lines into it with an X-Acto knife.

Thanks so much for the detail! I did get the chance to use the Tamiya masking tape just recently, it came with the Bus body for the window masks, it is very tacky and stays put.

Good to know Fasmask works well also.

I got my Proline Liquid Mask today:


Have to decide whether to brush it on, or get the HVLP mini.

I do have access to a large compressor, but I was hoping I could buy just a nice airbrush set, and be able to do both the liquid mask, and RC body paint with just the airbrush. Sounds like if I want to do it right, I need both the HVLP mini, and an airbrush set.

What are your guys favorite paints to use with RC body, and airbrush?

[mikea96]

Liquid mask won't spray well through an airbrush. You are better off brushing it or spraying with mini hvlp. I bought my mini hvlp at harbor freight for 40.00 I believe. The one they have that is around 15.00 is junk.

[GreenBar0n]

Liquid mask won't spray well through an airbrush. You are better off brushing it or spraying with mini hvlp. I bought my mini hvlp at harbor freight for 40.00 I believe. The one they have that is around 15.00 is junk.

Understood, thanks! Who makes the best paints for airbrush?

[mikea96]

I don't know who has the best but I really like the proline paint. I just scuff the body first before painting since it is water based paint to help with adhesion. I know Createx make a spray on adhesion promoter but I have not tried it.

[GreenBar0n]

I don't know who has the best but I really like the proline paint. I just scuff the body first before painting since it is water based paint to help with adhesion. I know Createx make a spray on adhesion promoter but I have not tried it.

Thanks!

[Coelacanth]

I use a pancake compressor for my mini hvlp and have had zero problems with the liquid mask. You spray several light coats letting each coat dry between so it has no problem keeping up.

You would definitely notice issues spraying 2K clear and an HVLP gun with a pancake compressor...but fortunately we don't need to clearcoat our Lexan bodies because the Lexan is the clearcoat.

[GreenBar0n]

Finally time to try out this liquid mask. Going to test it on making window masks for this GT body, first. Going to brush on 3 coats, and see how that works. Not sure what to expect with this stuff.


Ultimately working my way up to entirely coating this Viper body in liquid mask, and using an Xacto to remove the sections during painting, for a magazine art attempt.


Going for this:


Time to get started.

[mikea96]

If you don't end up liking the proline liquid mask try the bitty design. Out of all the current liquid mask available i find it the most forgiving.

[GreenBar0n]

Thanks, Will definitely do that if this won't work.

I went pretty heavy on the first coat, it will take a while to dry.


Looking to see how the cleanup of the excess goes with an Xacto.

[RogueIV]

generally you mask the entire body with it as any area that the masking is applied too thin is going to be annoying to peel.

I use BittyDesign now works great. I haven't used Proline but I hear it's good.

I, however, am never using Spaz Stix ever again. That stuff seems to react to my paints and becomes unpeelable and I have beter things to do than pick at masking for 5 hours because it won't peel cleanly.

[GreenBar0n]

In the spots where I left way too much LM, it's still not dry, even after 24 hours - and in 70°+ with 40% humidity.


But this Proline LM does cut and peel well. Small sliver cut from the side of the front windshield, peeled right off.


The directions on the back of the Proline LM bottle say a 0.8mm tip can spray this.


I'm going to try to use this siphon feed 0.8mm tip airbrush, won't work out well, but might as well see.

[mikea96]

Spraying is definitely the way to go. It makes for nice even coats. Here is what I use

[GreenBar0n]

The E91 airbrush clogged instantly, the Proline LM is too thick. Will have to keep brushing it on until I can get something better.

Will look in to the HVLP, and a compressor, brushing is too inconsistent.


Ran out of time tonight, will have to test cutting and peeling the LM on the GT windows tomorrow.