Window Trims

Hi gang,

My first post. I have been working on a very easy Porsche 911 Turbo Flatnose to start off my 1st scale model. So far so good but I have ran into trouble when doing window trim, and/or any other part on the body that required such detailing.

Could be a rather simple and stupid Q but...How do I do it 'nicely'? :(
Car body has been primed and ready for spray.

As a matter of fact, I have been doing some practicing on doing little trim-like scrap parts and the result of hand painting isn't too desirable.

Any hints or tips would be highly appreciated.

Thanks guys,

I assume you're asking how to do the window frames... My technique uses scotch magic tape (translucent, not clear tape). This stuff is way better than masking tape. Trust me. Paint the body and finish it. Make it all shiny and nice the way you like it. Then, take the scotch tape and press it into the frame or whatever area you want to mask, and then trim it with a knife (xacto preferred). Now spray the black paint or whatever color. This will give you a tight line, way better than masking tape. You can use this to also paint two tone body colors, etc. I used to use masking tape all of the time til' I tried the scotch tape. Try it, you'll see. Hope this helps. JK:smoker2:

I don't know what masking tape you've been using but there's NOTHING that will work as well as Tamiya masking tape.

FC - read the FAQ

I use Bare Metal Foil for my window trim. If you're not familiar with it, it's an adhesive foil that you just stick on and trim. I find it much easier than painting.

my way of doing it is so perfect that I dont wanna tell anyone.......I figured like this I have an edge on peoples models.......lol but I can't resist not to say it

(has nothing to do with paint)

too good to tell us eh? :flipa: :D :D :D

I use Tamiya masking tape.
I lay it over the area to be painted, and then using a very sharp knife i lighty trim around the window frames. Remove the excess and the make sure its well pressed down again for a good seal.

Make sure the knife is really sharp so it gives a nice line.
The tape is easy to cut so just do it lightly.To hard and you will mark the paint underneath

Nobody else uses Bare Metal Foil? One clean cut and you've got the sharpest lines. I don't mean to sound like a commercial but you guys should try it, if you haven't already.

Originally posted by 2000-redrider
Nobody else uses Bare Metal Foil? One clean cut and you've got the sharpest lines. I don't mean to sound like a commercial but you guys should try it, if you haven't already.
I have used it before and i found it was a really pain in the arse to get off again. Maybe i was doing something wrong when i was using it. :confused: :confused:

Originally posted by 2000-redrider
Nobody else uses Bare Metal Foil? One clean cut and you've got the sharpest lines. I don't mean to sound like a commercial but you guys should try it, if you haven't already. I used it the first time I did the roof on my NSX, and the paint seeped underneath. :mad: Needless to say, I was upset...

I've never used the foil as a paint mask but I do know that it can be difficult to remove. The window and side trim in this pic are done in foil. It also comes in black chrome.

Originally posted by 2000-redrider
I've never used the foil as a paint mask ...Oh, I thought that's what you meant. :o I do use BMF for many chrome parts, like taillights, and I have some of the black chrome, but I haven't used it much yet...

what is this magical foil you guys are talking about
and where do i get it???

Originally posted by djmr2
what is this magical foil you guys are talking about
and where do i get it??? My local shop carries it. :) http://www.bare-metal.com/

Lots of aircraft people use it for masking canopies and such. Personally it's too expensive to use as masking for me ($5 a sheet!).

I used Parafilm M, a chemical supply. It's a wax that becomes tacky when stretched out, and is transluscent (no adhesive!). Sticks to gloss surfaces only, but can be cut very easily (make sure the knife is real sharp or it will drag). Very handy for black window trim.

Oh...i was the same as Jay...i thought you meant you were using it as a paint seal.
The black i find does not stick as well as the chrome though