Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Land Models / January 2004

I'm posting this again because I didn't get any response the last
time.  If anyone can answer these questions I'd really appreciate it.

I have some questions about liquid masking that I'm hoping someone can
help me with.  I've got a couple of 3 oz jars of Hobbico Master Mask
and one 2 oz jar of Parma Liquid Mask.  I've recently found out
there's another one called Bob Dively Liquid Masking Film, though I
haven't yet found a shop in my area that carries it. (So. CA, Pasadena
area if anyone knows of a place).  Here are my questions:

1)  Is any one of these clearly superior to the others, either in
useablilty or economy?

2)  Since they're all water-based latex I figure that they can be
airbrushed on provided they're thinned properly and used with the
proper tip.  I'm using an Aztek A470 dual action and I have all the
available tips.  What's the recommended thinning ratio and spraying
pressure for each and which tip would likely work best?

3)  Can the design be drawn directly on the dried mask with either a
pen or fine point marker without bleeding through or into the paint
being sprayed on?

4)  If, when cutting a design where two lines come to a point, the cut
extends beyond the tip of the point on one or both sides, will the
paint bleed through the cut, or does the mask self-seal to some
extent.  Otherwise, does the cut need to resealed with another light
coat of mask?

5)  If the mask is self-sealing should the entire design be cut before
any paint is sprayed on?  Otherwise, it seems the paint would likely
hide the other lines to be cut, right?  Would the next section to be
peeled off need to be recut to avoid lifting the paint just sprayed?

5)  Any particular tips to applying, cutting or removing liquid mask
that anyone can impart to me?

Thanks,

Gary