Masking tape

I have heard plenty of great things about Tamiya masking tape. Some people say to use only it. However, I am neither made of money nor in close range of any hobby store that stocks such tape. (If I were to get it, I would do so online). My father owns an auto repair shop and also does some custom work on his own; he therefore has a great quantity of auto body masking tape by brands like 3M and others. Many of these are in the width necessary for general model masking. Additionally, several of them are semi-transparent, which is useful. My question is this: are these tapes sufficient for jobs like two-tone bodies and window trim, or do I have to step up and get the more expensive/not readily available Tamiya tape? I want good results--that's why I ask. Thanks!
Alex

If you can find an equivalent that works for you, go for it. There is no rule which says you should only use Tamiya tape.

BTW, IIRC, I've been told Nichiban makes Tamiya's tape.

I have the 1/2 inch wide 3M light green tape, and it's great for 2 tone jobs, but it doesn't like to conform to tight areas, so that lends a great deal of headache when painting some trick paint jobs.

I have always used the low tack 2"wide paper masking tape from walmart, and I simply cut the edge with a straight edge and a new #11 blade to get a perfect edge with no dust, or debris. the paper tape is made with "slack" in it so it can conform to some details.

honestly though for a superior paint line, use BMF to get your separation line, then any old tape you feel like to mask off the rest of the car.

I used to be skeptical of Tamiya tapes because of price, then I bought one and it's pretty much all I use now. It's worth the price IMO.

You can't go wrong with the 3M auto body tapes. They are about the best you can buy (or get for free) and I'll give you one guess as to who makes Tamiya's tape...
If you are having problems with the wider tapes lifting when masking for a two tone (or stripes , flames, etc.) try using a thinner tape, like a 2 or 3mm wide tape, to first mask off your break line. Go back over that with your wider tape to finish masking. You will find the thinner tape conforms much easier without lifting and is much easier to control when applying.
Mark@MAS
www.mas-parts.com

You can't go wrong with the 3M auto body tapes. They are about the best you can buy (or get for free) and I'll give you one guess as to who makes Tamiya's tape...


I haven't used 3M auto body tapes in a while, but from what I remember, they're thick like most masking tapes, while Tamiya modeling tape is really thin, which makes it easier to move around on a model when you're sticking it on. It seems to me to bleed less too

3M's blue tape is what you want to use. It won't bleed and is very thin.
The graphics on this Buick were masked using it.
http://images16.fotki.com/v288/photos/9/904975/3515448/74buick_back_view-vi.jpg
There is no tape edge what-so-ever and the tape leaves a very sharp edge. If you can't find the Tamiya tape the 3M Fine-Line will work just as well and it is available at any bodyshop supply outlet.
Mark@MAS
www.mas-parts.com

[QUOTE=astroracer]3M's blue tape is what you want to use. It won't bleed and is very thin./QUOTE]

That's cool, maybe i'll have to give that stuff a try.

Hey, I just realized that for the very edge of the paint line, I can use the BMF "Ultra-Brite" chrome which I was informed was crappy compared to Original Chrome (which I just ordered). I was wondering what to do with two extra sheets of foil that were not particularly suitable for chrome trim. Voila! That should last for all of my models that need masking... :iceslolan