Painting trim on fabric... Need some help.
 

I recently recovered my GP Tiger Moth with Nelson LiteFab. I want to paint a sunburst design on the wing tops, but I'm having a problem with seepage under the masking tape.

I haven't done any painting on the plane yet, just testing the paint and masking on scrap fabric. I am thinking I am trying to apply too much paint in one coat, but I am also thinking that the masking tape doesn't seal the fine mesh of the fabric. Also, I am using Coverite spray paint.

I have a Paasche airbrush to use if necessary. What is a good method/paint for painting this fabric?

Thanks,

Dave

Painting trim on fabric... Need some help.
 

put a coat of clear along the tape lines. this will seal the tape line and prevent the color from bleeding under the tape.

Painting trim on fabric... Need some help.
 

Thanks Ted, that sounds like a great idea!

Painting trim on fabric... Need some help.
 

Try liquid mask for RC cars! It works for me.

Painting trim on fabric... Need some help.
 

You might also try using that blue painters tape found at Home Depot or Lowes. Have had better luck with that than straight masking tape.
Edwin

Painting trim on fabric... Need some help.
 

Using the clear method as mentioned above works well, but you can also use the base color as well. It depends upon which you have on hand at the time.

Painting trim on fabric... Need some help.
 

Thanks for the ideas. Unfortunately the Tiger Moth trim has taken a back seat to the 1/4 scale Nieuport 17 kit

Painting trim on fabric... Need some help.
 

You don't use masking tape for paint edges... use 3M Blue or Red low tack paint mask.... comes in various widths... the red makes a tighter radious..... get it at any automotive paint store. Use the blue or red for the trim line only... then regular masking tape/paper up to blue/red tape for overspray protection. Use the base color as a sealer then spray the trim color with the lightest coats possible to get good coverage.... when it looks like it needs just one more coat... stop... you don't want a huge trim line ridge from excessive paint where the tape was.

P.S. - I often omit the sealer step if I am trimming a good smooth paint job(even fabric)... with the light coats... nothing ever runs under(unless there is a gap in the tape... seal coat dosn't help that) and you still get a very smooth edgeless trim line. Good luck.