I have covered a 1/4 scale ww1 aircraft with Coverite fabric, and would like to paint the roundels onto the wing, rather than using vinyl decals or whatever.
Anyone have suggestions as to what I should use to mask these things, as they are rather large in size.
I was thinking of using adhesive shelf paper (hopefully low tack) but am open to suggestions.

We can make vinyl paint masks for these (www.getstencils.com)

Contact Vikie at [email protected]

I would do it free hand, using a very fin ebrush, specially for the contours of roundels over irregular surfaces, like the top of wings.

I would pre-mark with light lines made with soft pencil, may be using a cardboard template for complex shapes like stars.

I believe that was the way original roundels were painted.

You can easily mask them off yourself. They are only circles.

You can use 3M plastic tape. Just a few dollars. "Transfer mask" is the paper that sign shops use over vinyl. You will need this.

Any sign shop will gladly give you a short roll. A roll with very little left.

Drop me a PM when you have that stuff and I'll be glad to get you through it.

It's not difficult and it can be enjoyable!

I finished a 1/3 scale Pup this year and painted my own. I covered the plane with koveral. I used clear shelf paper purchased at Walmart, comes in a roll and has a removable sticky back, just enough stick to hold down. Used a large circle cutter to cut each peice out and stick it down on the wing. spray with a lite coat of base to seal the edges then the color. Works Great.

From Office Depot:

http://www.officedepot.com/a/product...ersal-Compass/

Protect the center from the sharpy point with several layers of masking tape and cardboard.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_aircraft_insignia

You can make your own compass by CAing two pencils on a stick.

They actually sell aluminum devices with a compass point. They are slotted and designed to slip over a yard stick. Used by carpenters to make large circles.

I have a set someplace, I'll see if I can dig them up. If I remember correctly, the slot was to small for todays yard sticks.

Maybe designed to fit over just a stick?

Stabilo, wax pencils, are great for making lines. They wash off easily and are available at craft stores. I only buy the blue or white ones.

1.50 each.

I started this Thread some time back. It's purpose was to show that not much is needed to make your own graphics.

BTW. Some sign shops will gladly save, and give to you, their vinyl scraps. Including ther masking material. Just walk in and ask!

I am free hand painting a 1/3 pup right now, I trace on the roundels and paint them by hand.

I know many people have a different view of RIGHT. I think the planes look best,or most realistic when things aren't to perfect.. Just my opinion.. Have fun !

Foodstick,

Absolutely, I couldn't agree with you more. My guess is you're correct about brushing the roundels on. That's probably how they did them AND all the lettering, numbers and whatever. They certainly didn't have some hi-tech vinyl printing machine.

Got photos of some of your hand painting?

I was looking at the Albatros. I don't think they painted two airplanes the same! What nice aircraft to model!

I don't have a lot of pics yet, but here are a couple..

Holly crap Batman!

I didn't expect anything like that at all! Gotta get some other photos of the cockpit. Grommets on the lacing and all!

Not good work, great work!

Kudos!

Its not really right, scalewise..but I just sort of do it the way I like..

I don't have a full interior, its a pilot bust only and a homemade dash and gun to round out the detail stuff..