Preparing solartex for spraying
 

Hi Guys I started to tape my model using Tamiya 3mm masking tape to do tight curves, I have since learned 3m 1/8" would be far better so I will be trying this instead. However my problem lie's with the newly covered Solartex covering I have done on my Tomboy 36, i'm finding once it has been applied it looks fine in a tight curve but give it a couple of hours and it starts to lift?? I am just worried I will spend all that time masking off to find once I apply the paint via Airbrush it will start lifting and ruin my work before it has chance to dry or apply a second coat ?
Should I be cleaning with the thinners I will be using with the paint first prior to masking/Spraying?? I would be most grateful for you help, Many Thanks Simon.

The Picture is what I am trying to achieve.

I used Towerkote primer when I did my Corsair. But I covered the entire plane and used it as the white color with two different Rustoleum blues. Didn't have a problem with masking tape sticking to it. What I liked about Towerkote is it gave a fuel proof undercoat and it sands smooth as metal.

Are you saying the tape is lifting or the paint is lifting? If the paint, what kind of paint are you using? What will be your final top coat on the covering?

Hi yes the tape is lifting which is why im nervous of painting as it only holds down fully for a couple of hours then starts to lift again?

I've used the blue 3M 1/8" plastic tape (#06404) and the 1/4" (#06405) extensively on Solartex and many other surfaces and without any issues. If you over stretch the tape, it may want retract a bit and pull away from the curve. But if you don't over stretch it and you set it in place with a bit of pressure (required) I can't imagine any problem with the product. They use to make this product in a 1/16" width but I have not been able to find that for some time. 3M still makes a green, less flexible tape (#06306) in that width but it has less flex than the blue material. It does go around curves quite well though but any excess stretch will ruin it. Whatever tape you use, make sure the surface is clean before application and press the tape in place one last time just before you paint.

Thank you Truckracer I will get some 3M 1/8" Plastic Blue Tape, reakky appreciate your help, Thank You.

First attempt
 

Hi Guys after taking on board all your help and advice I have built my first ever model and now sprayed for the first time and I am very happy with the result looking forward to finishing spraying wings, tail, and fin now, I have attached a couple of pics I would appreciate your comments, Many thanks Simon.

Its great to see people building these days!

Tomboy 36 Update
 

Hi Guys Just Finished taking 3m masking tape from Wings, Tail & Fin Paint used was Solarfilm Solarlac red.