On one of my models the body has to be painted two different colors. I usually use masking tape but it is pretty hard to get to fit in some areas. What do you suggest using?

You must go for Tamiya's masking tape, as it is super sticky and very mallable.
Other than that, you can get a rubbery paint on mask liquid from Revell, but I haven't used it on 1/24 models, only my old 1/10th race car bodies.
For a body you can't deat Tamiya masking tape, go for some of that.
I used it for my 1/24th R34 Race car and it worked a treat.
http://www.cyber-showroom.com/pics/R34Race.jpg

When you have to paint two different colors which do you paint first? The smaller portion or the larger?

This is also my current dillema. I'm working on an early NSX, when the roof was black above the windowline no matter the body color.

I did it once with plain old masking tape, and the black paint leaked under, so I have to start over. :(

This time I think I'll try Tamiya's masking tape like Guiddy said. I've used the liquid stuff in the past, but it's more mess than it's worth.

Originally posted by JE123
When you have to paint two different colors which do you paint first? The smaller portion or the larger?
Always paint the lighter color first. For example, I'd never get the red to show up right, even after a thousand coats, if I tried to paint it over the black.

The lighter colour first buddy, other wise the dark colour shows underneath!
So for the Skyline I painted the yellow first, then the black.
You must peel the masking tape off as soon as you can, say within 5 minutes, otherwise the tape pulls the paint off with it!!!

Here is another example.
I painted the white first, then masked the ribbon off and the top section. Painted the red, then masked it all off and added the blue.
http://www.cyber-showroom.com/pics/Jugg2.jpg

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Silver S2000
[B]This is also my current dillema. I'm working on an early NSX, when the roof was black above the windowline no matter the body color.

That is exactly what I have to do with my model.

Originally posted by Silver S2000

Always paint the lighter color first. For example, I'd never get the red to show up right, even after a thousand coats, if I tried to paint it over the black.

Great minds think alike!!!:D

...Or learn the same lessons from their mistakes. :rolleyes: :D :)

Just use Tamiya masking tape to give that nice clean line you want.

What size Tamiya masking tape do you use? I found a site www.hlj.com which has 3 different sizes. The site does not show a picture of them though.

I highly recommend that site. I have ordered from them a couple of times. You pay for shipping, but it may be worth it in some cases.

Where do you live? You may be able to find it somewhere close to you.

Originally posted by JE123
What size Tamiya masking tape do you use?

POST NUMBER 1800 !!!!!...IM A POST WHORE :rolleyes: :p

Anyway........go for the 6mm tape. That's all i use. When masking the model, use the 6mm for the line you want then i just use plain old masking tape put about half way to the edge of the line along with newspaper. :D :D

Originally posted by primera man
POST NUMBER 1800 !!!!!...IM A POST WHORE :rolleyes: :p

You're the post-whore-iest guy around!

And since Kris isn't here, I'll have to pick up the slack:
http://www.users.qwest.net/~bkc3/+junk/pw.jpg

THANKYOU :D :D

Okay, time to be the unpopular one around here!

Tamiya masking tape is great, but if you can't find it, try good old Scotch tape. It's thin, sticky, conforms well, etc. On top of all that, it's mega cheap too. Frisket film from Hobby Lobby works well if you're not just masking straight lines - or if you are masking straight lines. The frisket is a bit expensive though.

Painting the larger or smaller section first, depends on the paint job. Lighter colors first as a rule? NOT!!! When working with lacquers, lots of people (me included) recommend painting the darker color first. I usually mix the 2 paints for 2-tones. I'll use a lacquer base color and enamel for the second color. Why? It's easy to clean up any boo-boos. Wanna see the best white paint job you've ever done? Lay down a smooth coat of black first! Yes, you heard that right. With enamel, it'd never work and never cover. With lacquer, it's downright awesome!

For more info, and some examples, check out the 2-tone painting and primer selection articles on my site: http://modelcartech.com

Oh, btw, I ain't arguing with anybody, just telling what I've learned. What works for you, doesn't always work for me. What works for me may not be the rule for you. Basically, there's more than one way to skin a cat. If everyone did everything the same,, there would be no reason for this forum, magazines, more than one book on modelling, etc.

Experiment! And, above ALL, HAVE FUN!

Tim D.

http://modelcartech.com