Cutting Liquid Mask?
 

can any body give me some tips on how to get clean line when cutting mask... what are the "tricks of the trade" to get a super clean cut..

im noob but i've attempted a couple shells.. (will post pics later) they look ok from a distance but when you look closer the lines arnt "super clean"

i put 2 layers on with a brush and leave overnight.. some areas is difficult to cut away.. am i not putting enough on?

also when marking out the shell design do you guys draw 2 lines for an outline or do you just use a thick marker pen..?
after you peel mask do you clean the area you peeled.. if so what with?
if you make a mistake do you use your scaple to cut paint away while it still peels?

It's down to practice I'm afraid, but make sure you are in a comfortable position when cutting for a start. Different blades might help you, I prefer number 11, which is pretty common, sometimes a number 10. Also fresh blade each time for a new shell will help alot.

From my experience, 4 thin coats are best for me, making sure each coat is pretty much the same. Before I apply each coat, I wait before the other coat has gone transparent.

My personal preference is to mark out one side, then cut the lines, then remove the pen marks using brake cleaner, THEN draw over the scapel lines that you have cut that you can see through the shell, THEN trace it to the other side (That way I know it's going to be pretty much identical both sides).

Regarding outlines or other words pin striping, I don't draw them on the shell, I just draw the design, then cut it out, then remove the pen marks, then go cut whatever area I want pin striping in as for me, it's much easier to see like that.

Generally I don't think scraping paint off works out too well, it's difficult to make sure you've got that area clean again before, so it's best just not to mess up, if that puts you at ease. Also you don't do anything once you've peeled the area off you want to paint, just paint it, no cleaning required.

It wasn't too long ago when I started and I was in the same position, but the more you paint, the more everything clicks, and suddenly you've got a pretty good looking shell.

Good luck.

Its all down to practice but your probably putting the mask on too thin by the sound of it, I use 3 medium coats dried with the hairdryer between coats then left over night to fully dry.

I use a no.11 blade in the scalpal but have used others of all different sizes and types, I find they all work fine for me. I personally use the same blade for months at a time with no ill effect (I suppose how hard your pressing will effect the time it will last)

Ive done both drawing 2 lines and the thick marker, however at the moment I do prefer to draw one line clean the outside so I can see and cut the second line for the pins.

Hope that helps.

as above,
4-5 even coats, make sure each one is completely dry before apply another coat,cut out all your design wipe of pen then cut pin stripes, i to use number 11 and 26 blades to cut long stright lines lay the blade back i find a curved blade to work better,

ps i have both blades for sale on my ebay site
search bigred5765

Ok so if you cut all the design out and the pinstripes at the same time, when you come to paint the design the paint wont seep through the cut lines is that rite? :confused:

thnaks for for taking the time to give me advice...
i'll try just cutting out the design then doing the pin after..

im using a number 10 blade atm, number 11 look alot longer

here my 1st attempt i messed up the back by changing the design on the fly... lesson learned :thumbdown:
was my first time using an airbrush so i was really learning as i went along..

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/...G/24198b65.jpg

here my 2nd.

happy with it from a distance just doesn't have the finish up close...

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/...G/74ec5608.jpg

i could of repaired the side by fading more blue but... then i spayed the white.. seen result and thought doh!


3rd to come soon.

Correct.

if you leave it long enough the liquid mask will even self heal and you;ll need to recut it

Thats handy to know cheers guy's

i presume you paint your pin stripe first?
and what do you use to trace.. tracing paper?

parchment/greaseproof paper. alot cheaper than dedicated tracing paper and more than capable of getting the job done.

Erm... depends on the colour of the pin stripe, if it's say a white, I'll leave it until last. Silver or dark colours I do them first.

I've been using tracing paper, but as i've run out, and seen Jons post on my travels, I picked up a roll of thin grease proof paper, alot cheaper, nice ones.

will try again at the wkd, hopfully i'll be happier with the results :thumbsup:

3rd go...

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/...G/e5bc182b.jpg

trying to keep it fairly simple untill i get better....

Picture not showing up dude...