1:72 Su-17M3/4 double-sided painting mask

Su-17M3 and Su-17M4 masking set in 1:72 scale

A double-sided set of masks for spraying a model of the Su-17M3 and Su-17M4 in 1:72 scale. The masks are stuck onto the part before painting, so the boundary between paint and the clear area comes out even and sharp and the frames do not have to be laboriously built up from strips of tape.

The real subject

The Su-17 was a Soviet fighter-bomber on which the outer sections of the wing could be swung in flight. Swept back, they gave the machine speed; swung forward, they shortened the takeoff and the landing. The M3 and M4 versions belong to the later configurations of the series and flew in the markings of a whole range of air forces, so a model of the same type will carry very different schemes.

The cockpit glazing on this type has broken-up framing and a line drawn by hand never comes out the same thickness on it.

How to work with the masks

• Wash and degrease the surface before sticking the mask on; the mask will not seat on a greasy part.
• Lay the mask in dry, position it along the frame and only then press it down all the way round so that paint does not run under the edge.
• Apply the paint in thin coats; a thick coat peels off together with the mask when it is lifted.
• Take the mask off shortly after the paint has dried, slowly and at an angle to the surface.
• The layout of the individual masks and what each is for are given by the manufacturer in the instructions.

Who it is for

For builders of the Su-17 in 1:72 scale who want the cockpit frames sharp and the glazing clean even after the whole model has been sprayed. The package holds masks only; the model, paints and glue are not included, unless stated otherwise.