using elmers glue as a masking for painting

Danny40 · Post by **Danny40** » Wed Jul 29, 2009 6:50 pm

HI! is elmers glue a good mask when dry?

Stu Pidasso · Post by **Stu Pidasso** » Wed Jul 29, 2009 6:58 pm

No, I would guess not, but I've never tried it. More than likely, you'll peel the paint you want to stay on the model than if you use, say, Tamiya tape.

Danny40 · Post by **Danny40** » Wed Jul 29, 2009 7:22 pm

thanks I'm like to mask the windows...hope someone could tell me if that would work

GrimCW · Post by **GrimCW** » Wed Jul 29, 2009 7:25 pm

i've used it on a couple of small parts in the past (namely lights and windows on the 1:350 NX), just gotta make sure you get it EXACTLY where you want it, and thick enough you can just pop it off with your knife afterwards. To thin and it'll just get set down tight by the paint, comes off with some work and a good finger nail usually though :p
that aside it works rather well in all my trial runs

it doesn't exactly adhere to the plastic, and the paint, unless globbed onto the spot with glue, doesn't seem to affect it as far as the water wash goo effect the stuff gets.

all in all though, experiment with it to find what works for you.

bluesman · Post by **bluesman** » Wed Jul 29, 2009 7:47 pm

If you want a liquid mask rubber cement might be a better option.

kenlilly106 · Post by **kenlilly106** » Wed Jul 29, 2009 8:49 pm

I've used it for windows, small areas, irregular spots that were too odd to mask, etc.

You need a sharp edge for the glue to flow against, surface tension will run the glue right up to the edge, either scribed or raised works.

I would not use rubber cement, the solvents in it may dissolve the kit or underlying paint.

Ken

Fozzie · Post by **Fozzie** » Wed Jul 29, 2009 9:09 pm

I have used it very successfully, but almost exclusively when I was masking channels or other indented areas. For instance, I used it to mask the channels in the warp grills on my 1:350 PL Refit Enterprise.

razorwyre1 · Post by **razorwyre1** » Thu Jul 30, 2009 6:49 am

try liquid latex instead

DLMatthys · Post by **DLMatthys** » Thu Jul 30, 2009 8:50 am

I've used Elmer's and Micro-Crystal clear to mask LEDs and projecting fiber optics. I also benefit with using punches and dies to make round discs from tape. My punch size collect range from the Waldron set to Fisca paper punches. Always the perfect circle.

irishtrek · Post by **irishtrek** » Thu Jul 30, 2009 4:10 pm

Heck, just give it a try on some scrap plastic and you should have your answer.