I have used the blu tac method for masking the demarcations between underside and upper fuselage. My problem is in pressing down the blu tac rounded ridges are formed which I do not want as I need straight line. So my first question is how does one keep the rolled blu tac even? Second question some planes have a line where the lower camo meets the upper camo on the wing leading edges (I think this is the right term...the front of the wings) how does one mask that to ensure a straight and similar division for both wings? Thank you.

Hi godfather,
Basically don't press down so hard on the blue tack, it will adhere under light pressure.
This is white tack which is the same.

I rolled it between 2 longish boards to get it nice and even and long enough so that only one piece was required. If it seems to want to fall off then you can use more pressure on the half of the blue tack away from the masking side and then it wont matter if it distorts. If i want a hard edge I squash the blue tack flat, between the same 2 boards. It will still be about 3 mm thick, then slice it down the middle. The cut edge will be your masking edge and, as it is nice and thin, it will conform quite easilly.



To mask the leading edges of wings is basically done by using the "Mk 1 eyball" and taking your time.



It is possible to do it without masking, for that you have to spray from directly above the wing, over the leading edge. This is the method to employ if you don't want a perfectly even or sharp edge. The wings of this Fw190D-9 were done in this manner.


HTH

Mal

thanks that was very helpful. One more question if I may. If the blue tac is rolled this will give me a softer edge I am assuming when spraying do I spray parallel to the blu tac form underneath or form the top to get the soft edge.

Generally spray perpendicular to the blue tack (at right angles), the more you angle the airbrush, to the masked side of the blue tack the more overspray you will get, and it does take much to get to much overspray.

Another thing, it is usually a good idea to cut your masking tape edge, use a sharp blade against a steel ruler. This does 2 things, 1, it ensures that you have a straight edge and 2, you illiminate the fluff and dust that builds up on the edge of a real of masking tape. While we're talking masking tape, the tighter the curve to be masked the thinner the masking tape needs to be cut. This also applies when masking around compound curves, such as a aircraft fuselage, and trust in your Mk 1 eyeball. When using thin strips of masking tape, use shorter, thicker strips, to mask over the thinner strips and away from them. To be a good airbrush painter you also have to be good at masking

Mal