1:48 F-22A TFace

Eduard double-sided masks, F-22A, 1:48

The set solves a situation that exterior masking on its own does not close. When only the outside of a large canopy is sprayed, the inner side of the frames stays in the color of the clear plastic, and that shows when you look into the cockpit. The double-sided version contains masks for both sides, so the inner frames get the interior color and the outer ones the surface finish of the aircraft.

When double-sided masking makes sense

On modern fighters with a large, clear canopy the inside is visible far more than on older types with dense framing. The F-22A is a twin-engine machine with a large one-piece canopy, so a look into the cockpit reveals even what would be lost on smaller glazing. Anyone building the model with the canopy raised or the interior visible will appreciate the difference most.

Use and tips

• The order of work is inside first: the inner masks, the interior color, and only then the outside.
• Degrease the clear part; grease is the most common cause of paint creeping underneath.
• Press the masks down with a soft stick; a hard tool will scratch the plastic.
• Spray thinly, otherwise a noticeable step forms at the edge of the mask.
• Lift the masks off shortly after the paint has dried, not weeks later.

Who the set is for

For a modeler who is building the F-22A in 1:48 and wants the canopy finished from both sides. Anyone who closes the model up so that the inside is not visible will manage with the basic variant of the masks.

The masks are supplied unapplied. Neither the model nor paints are included in the package.