Panel Line Problem
 

Ok you guys, I don't know why this is'nt working.[&o] I am using 1/64 wide tape to create panel lines on a scrap piece of glassed balsa sheeting. I picked this width to use on my BT Spitfire 83" kit figuring that width is about right for the scale size of the model. I marked out some lines on the primed piece of scrap balsa and applied the tape over the pencil lines. Then I sprayed over only the tape with three coats of latex primer, letting it dry in between coats. After the third coat dried, I removed the tape. The tape was difficult to remove, but I eventually got it all off. The taper came off in pieces instead of one continuos length[:@]. Maybe I should have removed it before the last coat dried.:(
My question is, it looks as though the panel lines are not deep enough. They are barely visible in some spots. Am I using tape that is not thick enough? Do I need to apply more than 3 coats before removing the tape? Is there something I'm missing here or is the way it's suppose to appear. I am worried that after applying the color coats the panel lines will be filled in.:eek:

Mark

RE: Panel Line Problem
 

You want to use a high fill primer that doesn't shrink after curing, such as Nelson Hobby Epoxy Primer (an excellent primer).

RE: Panel Line Problem
 

You dont need a very deep line. Remember everything is magnified when you add paint. Put a little paint on your sample and look at it in the sunlight. You may be suprised.

RE: Panel Line Problem
 

I used Duplicolor High Build Primer that I bought at the auto parts store. When you pull up the chart tape, the adheisive backing sometimes does like to stay in the groove on the plane. I made a small scraper from an .05 allen wrench which I ground with a ceramic drum on my dremel. I use it to scrape out whatever stuck in the groove, being careful to not scratch through the fiberglass. It took about 2 - 3 coats of high build primer and I pulled the tape off about an hour after spraying the last coat. I missed a couple of pieces of tape and discovered them several days later, and still had no (more) problem pulling it up.

Scott

RE: Panel Line Problem
 

You should sand the primer down to the top of the tape and then pull it up. I found that a light application of heat from a heat gun helps release the tape. I then soak the groove with Goo Gone to disolve the tape residue left in the crack and clean it with a QTip. Clean the Goo Gone with rubbing alcohol to get rid of the oily residue.