I am attempting to mask a tamiya 1/48th scale A6M2 canopy with bare metal foil, I made a mistake and peeled it all off to restart......quite a bit of adhesive residue was left on the canopy, very disconcerting, would dipping the canopy before hand in future help resolve this problem? or just clean up the adhesive residue as a last step after painting canopy. I am guessing maybe this is a big drawback to using this masking method as I do not see much evidence of bare metal foil in all the threads related to masking canopies.thanks beforehand for answering ANOTHER one of my questions.

I use Bare Metal foil and it most often leaves a residue, but the citrus based 'goo gone' adhesive remover and a Q-tip will remove it.

I was skeptical, but this does not harm either acrylic (Tamiya, Model Master or Gunze) paints or enamels.

Mike

I really appreciate your tip, this foil conforms so well to the faint lines of this canopy and I was hoping to solve this problem...thanks so much.

I tried BMF for canopies a few times and gave up on it. It was difficult to remove and, like you say, leaves a lot of residue. I just use Tamiya tape now.

But the funny thing about this hobby is that often what works for one person doesn't work for another. So experiment with different things until you find what works for you is the best advice.

I would (as said) remove the residue, future may bring more attention to the residue. You may try rubbing alcohol or some household cleaner like windex. Test it first so you don't ruin the canopy.

I shall stay with the BMF for now and try the other methods eventually, I have three inexpensive tamiya A6M2 zeros to practice on, thanks to all for your advice

Note that both rubbing alcohol and Windex most likely will remove any acrylic paint as well!

I use Humbrol thinner to remove the glue residue and as long as you don't use too much force this will leave any painted frames well alone! And yes, Bare Metal Chrome foil is on the top of my list for masking canopies for the moment. It is very thin and paint never leaks behind it.

Good luck!

Magnus

I use WD-40 to remove the residue. :-) It works like a charm.