1:72 Mirage-2000C double-sided painting mask on yellow kabuki paper

What the mask does

The masking set does away with the laborious cutting of strips of adhesive tape directly on the model. The pieces are pre-cut to the shape of the glazing frames, so they are simply peeled off the sheet and laid in place. The edge of the sprayed frame then comes out sharp and equally wide along its whole length, which is rarely achieved with tape applied by hand.

Material and workmanship

The carrier is yellow kabuki paper, a thin material with a flexible adhesive, which can be pressed even into the rounded shape of a canopy without wrinkling. The set is double-sided, so it also allows for masking from the other side of the glazing, which is needed where the frame should be visible from inside the cockpit as well.

How to apply the mask

• Wash and degrease the glazing before masking; on a greasy surface the mask does not hold.
• Peel the pieces off with the tip of a scalpel or with tweezers and offer them up dry, only then press them down.
• Press the edges down firmly with a toothpick, otherwise the paint creeps under.
• The masks go on before spraying and come off once the paint has dried, not after the varnish has dried.
• Apply the paint in thin layers; a heavy coat creates a step at the edge of the mask.

Who it is for

The set belongs with every Mirage 2000C model in 1:72 scale whose glazing frames are meant to be straight and sharp. The die-cut shapes are made for a particular form of the canopy, so try offering them up to your model before the build and deal with any overhang with tape.

Terms of supply

The masking sheet alone is supplied as described. The aircraft kit, paints and glue are not part of the package, unless stated otherwise.