Latex masking

[Heather Kay]

Just a quickie. I'm doing a quick glazing and masking job for a client. I have used microscope glass.

I was hoping to mask with Tamiya tape, but I worry the client won't be able to remove it without breaking the glass. At this stage, the job won't be delivered until the 17th of October.

I've tested Maskol, and it worked a treat. However, there is a note on the bottle warning not to leave the dried fluid in contact with the surface for more than three days.

Now, as it's on glass, will this be a problem? I'd like to mask the thing and then pack it away for delivery. I have no idea how long it'll be before the client gets round to painting.

Has anyone left masking fluid on something for a lengthy period?

 

[Steph Dale]

Latex masking fluid is actually very similar to Copydex-type adhesives, so I wouldn't use it in that application. Give it a week or three and it'll be a real problem, even on glass...

I must admit I haven't used glass in a model yet, but wouldn't it be easier to fit it after painting?

Steph

 

[Heather Kay]

It might well be easier to fit after painting. However, in this case I think the client has been following the instructions which expect the glazing to be fitted before fixing the cab in place. After that, you can't get in to fit glazing. I don't have

I think I'll ask how long it'll be before painting will take place, let them know how long the masking can be expected to last, and then do the job just before I deliver.

Thanks Steph!

 

[Buckjumper]

You've definitely got longer than it suggests on the bottle, but once you get beyond a week or two then as Steph says, you're going to have a problem especially on cover slip glass. If it's going to be a protracted paint, couldn't you arrange a sort of tweezer grab handle on the Tamiya tape for easy removal?

 

[Pugsley]

I've left Maskol on plastic windows for years, literally, and had no problems.

In fact, I've just removed the Maskol from a Heljan class 58, which I don't think I've touched since the back end of 2012 and with a bit of gentle work with a cocktail stick and a cotton bud it all came off fine.

 

[Heather Kay]

I did put a tab in the latex on my test earlier. This was to ensure the mask could be pulled away from the glass without damage - and it worked!

I did try some tape, too. My problem was it is difficult to cut it to exactly the right size, even though I had traced round the apertures before glazing began, and used the tracings as guides for the bit of tape. It was a bit heart stopping removing the tape, even without a layer of paint on it, which is why I opted for the masking fluid. I don't think the client will be happy trying to lift the tape.

Like the latex, the worry is the tape may become brittle if left for more than a few days. I think I will consult with the client tomorrow and take it from there.

EDIT to thank Pugsley. Interesting info. Thanks for that.

 

[flexible_coupling]

Worst case, try Blu-Tac carefully teased around the window pane. It's my go-to masking solution for windows.

 

[richard carr]

Heather

If you have used cover slip glass then I would put money on it that he breaks it taking the maskol off. The glass is too delicate if you ask me and I have stopped using it for that reason.
If it's the 1mm slide type thats fine.

Richard

 

[Heather Kay]

Heh! You may be correct. I've asked what they plan to do regarding painting, and just waiting on the reply.