Hi, what is the best method of masking up for invasion stripes? What tape would you recommend and will it peel off the base coat colour?

I've done all of mine just using a good quality masking tape from an art shop, as this will not lift the paint but will adhere well, and go around curved surfaces. Measure the width of the stripes and cut the tape to the correct width. Paint the white area, then fix all the stripes in place and remove the ones that will be black, then paint the black stripes. This may seem wasteful on tape, but will make sure that the stripes are correctly spaced.

Hi there

It's not cheap, but Tamiya's masking tape is excellent. It's very flexible and cuts cleanly. You can always reduce the adhesion of masking tape by pressing it onto your skin a few times.

Hope this helps

Rowan

There is a great article in this months FSM. Check it out.

I have a stupid Question....but, I'll ask anyway. Is it considered "taboo" in modeling circles to use black and white decal film for this type of thing?
I would think it would be much easier than doing all that masking. I imagine some might think of it as "cheating," or "taking the easy way out"....would it make a difference in a contest?....just wondering....

I guess if you did a really good job on the decal so that no one knows if it is painted or not, then you shouldn't be counted down. If no one can tell if it is painted or decal then how can they score you down?

Thanks guys!!

Well if it's considered cheating so be it, guilty as charged I use decal film whenever I can, invasion stripes, de-icer boots, etc.