1:48 B-26 Invader EXPERT kabuki mask

The real subject

The Invader is an American twin-engine ground attack and bomber aircraft with a glazed nose and a slim fuselage. It carried the designation B-26 in American service after the Second World War, and that is the form modelers meet most often; it stayed in service unusually long and saw action in the conflicts of the following decades.

What the set contains

This is a masking set in 1:48 scale. The masks are of kabuki tape, a thin paper material that conforms well to curved surfaces, holds in place and leaves no adhesive behind once removed. The EXPERT qualifier distinguishes the extent of the set within the manufacturer's range, where sets designated BASIC and ADVANCED stand alongside it. Which particular cut the set contains and which kit it is drawn for is given in the manufacturer's instructions enclosed with it. A masking set is worth the effort above all on glazing, where going round the frames by hand with a brush is slow and the result tends to be uneven.

Usage tips

The masks are stuck on before spraying, not after the paint has dried. Clear the area of dust and grease first, seat the mask precisely and press the edges down firmly so that paint does not seep underneath. Spray in thin coats and preferably in two passes; a thick coat of paint leaves a pronounced step at the edge of the mask. Take the mask off as soon as the paint is dry to the touch and pull it at an angle backwards at a low angle, not straight up.

What is in the box

The masking set alone is supplied. A kit and paints are not included, unless stated otherwise.