1:24 Scale Paint Mask Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IXc

The real subject

The Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IX came about as a quick answer to the new German fighters: into the airframe of the older Spitfire it fitted the Merlin 60 series engine, a V12 with a two-stage supercharger that gave the aircraft back its advantage at high altitude. The letter c in the designation refers to the universal wing, which allowed different armament fits. The Mk.IX became one of the most numerous versions of the whole family.

What the set is for

These are painting masks for 1:24 scale. At a large scale the surfaces and the edges are pronounced, so any paint that creeps under an edge is noticed at once. A mask defines a shape exactly and leaves a sharp edge once removed. The extent of the set and the recommended order of the steps are given in the manufacturer's instructions.

Usage tips

A proven procedure:

• wash and degrease the surface, otherwise the mask will not seat along its whole edge
• press the edges down with a blunt tool and on large parts work from the center toward the edges
• apply the paint in several thin coats rather than in one heavy one
• remove the mask with tweezers as soon as the paint has set

Who it is for

The set suits modelers who are building a large model and want clean color transitions even along long edges. Masks tend to be cut to the outline of a particular model, so on a kit from another maker lay them on dry first and compare them with the parts. The model, paints and glue are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.