Paint mask question

dman · Post by **dman** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 3:15 pm

I purchased the paint masks from Rick Larsen and am not sure what kind of white paint to use. I painted the truck OD semi gloss, threfore should I use a semi gloss or flat white paint for the masks? Also I was told that NAPA white paint works nice, well I went to NAPA and there were several choices. Can you guys make a specific recommendation for me on the type/part number that is best to use? Thanks

knattrass · Post by **knattrass** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 3:50 pm

d - did you buy the standard m37 kit from rick? I got to make the same purchase and wondered if you needed extra items - Keith

Lifer · Post by **Lifer** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 4:07 pm

Give Rick a shout. I'm sure he will recommend something for you. As for the type of paint, since the truck is semi-gloss, the markings should also be semi-gloss.

Tom @ Snake River · Post by **Tom @ Snake River** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 8:40 pm

In don't think there is such a things as NAPA flat white. It was formulated by Martin Senyour. They now carry DupliColor which some say not to use. But I have had no problems. Just stay on the job and get the mask off in the proper time. I have done about a dozen outfits with Ricks products. Tom

Rick C · Post by **Rick C** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 2:30 am

I used NAPA white when I did my M37 but they no longer stock it. I used Rustoleum flat white on teh M38 and it worked great. Just remember....don't try to cover the white in one pass....a few light ones will prevent runs and help when you remove the masks.
Rick

Gerry · Post by **Gerry** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 4:15 am

I havent tried it yet but I was told to spray a coat of od first to help seal of the masks so the white wont try to seep underneath.
Gerry

Tom @ Snake River · Post by **Tom @ Snake River** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 5:52 am

Gerry,
Who in the heck told you that

Of couse the best way to prevent paint creeping under the mask is to make sure that the edges are sealed down really well.
Make light coats of paint as so the paint is not standing "wet".
Also the age of the paint mask or stencil will have an effect. They tend to dry with age. I am guilty of this, but if you store the masks for a period of time, keep them laying flat with some weight on top. Tom

refit1701 · Post by **refit1701** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 6:56 am

Sealing with the base coat is a common practice in modeling. If you have an irregular surface which is being masked, it can help.

I wouldn't think you need to do that on a 1/1 scale M37.

From looking at original truck stenciling, few are perfect. Many have overspray around all the letters, making them blurry.

As it is classic car restorations, you can make things too perfect. One of the reasons I was drawn to this hobby is that these trucks or jeeps or what have you are rarely perfect. Not like the Mustang hobby, which I have done for years.

dman · Post by **dman** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 7:09 am

Just an FYI I spoke with Rick this morning (great guy) and he told me to use Rustoleum Flat white and spray on several light coats. Thanks I appreciate all of your advice.