Stencils

[Galaxy_Stranger]

Anybody have experience making stencils for airbrushing in order to replace some decals? The concept works and makes sense, but when you go to implement, that's when the problems crop up. I just find it hard to believe that, these days, we don't have any proper materials that could handle the abuse and detail.

[NZEOD]

you can buy stencilling mask vinyl from signwriter suppliers. The sheets can be cut on a vinyl cutter, spreyed over and removed fairly easily.

[Galaxy_Stranger]

You think that material would be good for 1/72 scale Valkyrie cockpits? Most other materials I've seen are too thick and/or can't squeeze enough detail out of them and/or too delicate for re-use. Would almost have to be some sort of transparent plastic.

[NZEOD]

hand cutting and liquid latex could be another option.

[MechTech]

Are you mass producing, or just a one off? Depending on the curves, people have done all kinds of crazy stuff. NZEOD mentioned some great ideas. Some of the other things I've seen used are the sticky portion of sticky notes (small stencils only), regular putty for one off temporary masks on compound curves. For mass produced compound curved templates I've seen epoxy putty used. I'm guessing commercial masks aren't available for what you want? - MT

[Galaxy_Stranger]

Well, what I'm going for is just a mask that I can re-use without destroying it, not necessarily mass-produce. Though, I'd love to be able to make many of them just so they're available to everyone.

The classic "US Air Force" star with the stripes would be a good example. You would have to make two or three passes to do that one - and that's a simple design. I started looking at thin Mylar last night. Maybe that's a start.

But I'm starting to think you begin with something thick and rigid - that you use as a template to cut detailing tape every time you want to spray. That sounds viable. And I'd do put up with it as often as I'd need to do it.

[EXO]

Here's a hood that I painted with stencils. The only decal was the decepticon symbol. Everything was hand cut, traced from a design I photocopied.

[NZEOD]

... Autobots symbol...

Decepticons Symbol

[Galaxy_Stranger]

Here's a hood that I painted with stencils. The only decal was the decepticon symbol. Everything was hand cut, traced from a design I photocopied.

Awesome - what material did you use?

[EXO]

lol... I meant Autobot symbol.

I actually just used a transparent adhesive masking material. I think I got it from micromark. But I put shipping tape on top of the paper that I printed the pattern on so the paper won't stick to the masking film and tear. You just have to be really good with that exacto knife.

http://www.micromark.com/parafilm-m,7551.html

[Galaxy_Stranger]

Thanks!

[EXO]

oh... And don't forget to use transfer tape. If it's a small graphic, you can just use drafting or masking tape. You can detack the tape by sticking it to your clothes before you put it on the mask.

[NZEOD]

ahhhh yes!!! Parafilm is used in the Chemistry lab to cover over test tubes and Flasks before mixing products! Its a waxy film.

[Galaxy_Stranger]

What thickness of plastic do you think would be needed to make templates of a stencil for permanent storage? I'm thinking you could do that just to have it, and then use the template to cut out whatever masking material you're going to use. So, hold it over Parafilm or masking tape to cut out the shape into the masking medium.

[MechTech]

Yeah, I remember that job EXO, it came out great! - MT

[Boroboy]

What thickness of plastic do you think would be needed to make templates of a stencil for permanent storage? I'm thinking you could do that just to have it, and then use the template to cut out whatever masking material you're going to use. So, hold it over Parafilm or masking tape to cut out the shape into the masking medium.

For my airbrush stencils, I usually use 0.3 mm mylar if I'm going to keep it around. For one offs, I'll generally use whatever I have laying around - usually frisket, liquid latex, paper, silly putty, or some combination of them.

[EXO]

What thickness of plastic do you think would be needed to make templates of a stencil for permanent storage? I'm thinking you could do that just to have it, and then use the template to cut out whatever masking material you're going to use. So, hold it over Parafilm or masking tape to cut out the shape into the masking medium.

I'm looking at the parafilm and it looks too flimsy to me. I say just get some transparent vinyl if you're going to cut it by hand yourself. That was just me looking thru what I had at the time to finish a custom.

Yeah, I remember that job EXO, it came out great! - MT

Thanks!

[Galaxy_Stranger]

Yeah, some regular plastic sheets should do nicely. I'll go to Hobby Blobby and see what they've got if I can't dig up something around the house. As a matter of fact, I might be able to practice on this F-14 I've got. I didn't notice it was a snap-tite, so the quality is deplorable and it came with STICKERS! I bet I can make reusable stencils out of the stickers.