Anyone got a good online source of really narrow tape that I can use as a masking tape to create indented panel lines (i.e put the tape down, shoot primer, sand lightly, pull the tape off to leave an indented line that will still show slightly when the color is shot over it). I used to use some really fine Kyosho tape, but am having a hard time finding a source just now.

The tape needs to be considerably thinner (widht wise) than the 1/6" tape that is the smallest I've found online so far.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide,

Gordon

Gordon,

I've never tried that method but I'm interested in seeing how it will work, so I hope somebody answers your question.

That being said, have you ever tried the method of "scribing" the panel lines in the primer after its shot? That method is described in the instructions for my BVM Mig and I tried it on some of the F-100 parts like the flaps and ailerons when I was getting it ready for plating and it worked very well. You need to have a very flexible ruler to go around curved surfaces, but other than that and the "scribing tool" made from 1/2 of a Dremel cut off wheel, that's all you need...

Bob

Gordon,

What about some of the chart tapes available? They have a 1/64"

http://www.marlenewatson.com/chartpak_graphic_tape.htm

Hi Gordon,
You might want to try this,

"Formaline Charting&Graphic Art Tape"
part #1000B is 1/64" X648"Matte black

I picked it up years ago at a local art supply store.

Jake Bruckler

Hi Gordon

Just go to Yahoo Shopping and search "Chartpack tape". You can find many online sources for the 1/32" & 1/64".

BRG

GA

Thanks for the info - I've ordered some of the chartpak tape and will give it a shot.

No matter what I'm looking for, someone here always seems to have the answer - you guys are great !

Hi Gordon,

I used [link]http://www.suppliesnet.com[/link]. Good service and quick delivery.

Do a search for 'chartpak crepe'

You need the crepe tape to go around curves, and the plastic type can be used for straight lines. I have ended up using 1/32", but bought some 1/64th as well.

Attached are some pictures of my Hunter that I'm in the process of detailing. I have never tried any of these techniques before so this is all an experiment for me, but so far I am really happy with the results. I'm using a mixture of the tape for recessed panel lines, and aluminium tape for some slightly raised panel effects. For rivet details I am burning them in with some sharpened brass tube in a soldering iron. Rivet and screw head details can just be pressed into the aluminium tape surface before applying the primer coat.

Excuse the areas of rework on the wings. After I had finished them, I realised that I had placed the outer pylon attachment points in the wrong place (duh!) and I also decided to add working nav lights. A final application of K36 and you won't be able to see the join. At least you can see the panels, tape and finished effects all on one go.

I'm in the process of detailing the fuselage. Using a laser level really makes easy work of marking out the lines.


Paul

Gordon, on my F-15, I have a thread on here somewhere, I did the process you are speaking of, I got the tape at the local PPG paint store, it was the same blue tape we use for masking off on paint, but really really thin. Worked most excellent.

I tried to find 3M blue fineline tape that was small enough, but couldn't find any.

Email me your address and I'll send you the rest I have, it's enough for an airplane. Next time I'll need it will be a while, and I can find it locally.

Thanks Sean, that's a generous offer. I do have the chartpak stuff ordered already, but it would be nice to compare the different tapes, so I'll shoot you my address. Lemme know what the damage is (including the shipping) and I'll get a check out to you right away.

Gordon, on the house, will go out on Monday. I had promised Ian some ceramic blanket, need to get that out the door as well. Been pretty busy down here.

Have fun,

Sean

English readers of this thread might be interested to know that you can get Chartpak tapes from K Graphic Supplies, 16, Main Road, East Hagbourne, Oxon. OX11 9LN. 01235 519000.

The 1/64" crepe black tape (Part #BGCP1501) is the one for doing panel lines with and it costs, incl P+P, £4.10 a roll (15m on a roll - sounds a lot but you'll probably need 2 to do a model). They don't take Visa...send a cheque.

Cheers,

Dick
England

Art store, ChartPak tape, 1/64 and larger. His methos is excellent and I have used it on many helicopters with great success.

Ouch ! A tad spendy .. from http://www.suppliesnet.com/index.asp...S&Category=289 I paid just £1.64 a roll (though they probaly don't ship to the UK).

Yes, nothing's cheap over here - they don't call it 'rip-off Britain' for nothing! I searched for UK Chartpak suppliers and only came up with K Graphics...they're the UK distributer. Still, bottom line is that it's perfect for the job and my MR Javelin is fully panel lined up for £8.

Hello all,

Just came across this forum and thought I'd mention for the benefit of UK users that our new site is specialising in Chartpak products. The tapes discussed here are also heavily used in automotive design for clay models which was the initial reason to stock the tapes.

Anyway, please check [link=http://www.refuelled.com]Refuelled.com[/link] in the future for Chartpak products, it will hopefully save some people some time and money. I would be interested to hear what would be deemed a good price for these items.

All the best,


Dave.

Refuelled.com