Masking

[joe]

Will there ever be a good answer? It's so painful thinking about the time, effort and failures associated with masks.

All masks are time and temp sensitive.
The smoother the surface the better a mask will stick.
Masks come in different tack.
Some masks are so aggressive they will remove surface paint.
Masks left on for days may become impossible to remove.
What works today is no guarantee.

Joe

[Designer]

You have peaked my interest. I have just started making plaques that I am painting the carved areas. I sand, carve, coat with polyurethane, paint, sand high surfaces, and polyurethane to finish. I am interested in the mask you spoke of. I'm not sure what the mask is. Would you add a few details to help me out.

Thanks

Phil

[zeykr]

A quick search for 'masking' will turn up lots of information

[joe]

Excellent work Ken. Wish you were closer so we could visit.

Phill,

I'd like to assist with your masking but a photo or two would be helpful. Masking is such a dicey business it's best to take a look.

Like Ken suggests there's lots of information on the forum. One of these is my use of Rubber Cement as an underlayment, prior to applying the mask. The advantage is it will go over just about any surface and won't pick up, or remove paint. A few years ago I posted this under "Dr. Crumley's Rootin Tootin Snake Oil Mask". That was during a period when I needed to V Carve and gild rough cedar. While it wasn't perfect there wasn't a better method I could find.

Lets see what you've got.

Joe

[Designer]

I have a new design that I am making for a local high school. The picture if from Aspire. It is simple but most likely a good place to start.

Thanks for the help.

Phil0321162152_HDR_resized.jpg

[knight_toolworks]

I don't really do much painting so have not needed to use mask. but I have wondered about using a drag knife around the letters to cut it instead of relying on a bit to cut it. anyone try this?