Removing liquid mask

[mjc707]

I used liquid mask for the first time. It is Hobbico brand. I put on one thick coat like the bottle said. I let sit overnight then painted last night and today. I tried peeling it off and it is like scratch off stuff. I tested it on a different spot before I painted and it peeled off fine. Do I need to wait longer before I peel it off or will it get worse. I read about doing more coats after I used it.
Any suggestions on getting it off? Any help is appreciated. Thanks

 

[Cruzin Illusion]

If you do not put it on thick enough it will not peel up. At this point I would try to continue to paint your body and just work on getting the areas that you need paint up. I would try to work an edge and hope that you can get it to peel.

 

[mjc707]

Some small sections peel up but for the most part it is like a scratch off lottery ticket and it leaves a small bit of film. Is there anything that would help as far as chemicals? Thanks

 

[colonel]

I have used that brand before and I am not ever going to use it again. Not only was it difficult to remove but it left a film that paint would not stick to. I use MicroMask available at most hobby shops.

That is only my experience with Hobbico. I may have done something wrong, maybe temperature/humidity. Good luck.

 

[Katon]

Maybe put more liquid mask on, generous 5 - 6 coats and perhaps it will bring whats already there back to normal rubbery consistancy. Just a thought.

 

[mjc707]

That is my issue also. I know I can get it off somehow. But I would like to know for the future. If I did something wrong. Other than not enough coats. I was supprised after reading other posts that the instructions say one coat is OK when other people say 3-4 coats. Live and learn. Thanks

 

[Katon]

Also for future reference...

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXC100&P=FR

by far the best liquid mask ive used, I actually spray it on with a spray bottle. numerous coats still. Never go wrong with too many coats, only too few.

 

[mjc707]

Maybe put more liquid mask on, generous 5 - 6 coats and perhaps it will bring whats already there back to normal rubbery consistancy. Just a thought.

I was thinking of trying that. What do I have to lose at this point. I wonder if it would bond to what is already there or if it would just peel off the layer of paint.

 

[team3six]

OK, this should help and I hope it does.
1. If you used water based paint. just soak the whole shell in hot soapy water, preferably in the tub ans it would be much easier to get to soak and remove everything including the mask.
2. If its spray paint or a lacquer based paint, just do the hot tub soaking as instructed to remove what you can.

Note, DO NOT SCRUB OR SCRATCH OFF!
Just soak and soak and soak removing as much as you can and yes this will take some time.

Now if it is the spray or lacquer based paint. it shouldn't of had enough time to set up enough to make a permanent bond. Just get some brake fluid and pour it in the shell over the area that is painted and let it soak and rub your fingers on the paint until you have removed the paint. again this is a lengthy process depending on how bad it is and when its done it will be done. You may have a bit of a fogginess in the lexan but it will not be noticeable after the repaint.

3. Follow my directions on my website, you don't have to incorporate the airbrushing part, just use the same techniques to accomplish your goal. If you cut lines with an exacto knife. just carefully follow them same lines lightly enough to cut through the mask, but not hard enough to re etch the lexan. otherwise you'll harm the durability of the lexan.

The link to my website is in my signature and you will go to the link called airbrushing 101

 

[mjc707]

Thanks I appreciate it. I will try the water thing first. It was pactra spray. I normally research just about everything before I use it. I guess I jumped the gun on this one. If I soak it in water will it effect the paint on there now since it was only painted the last coat about 6 hours ago?

 

[team3six]

yeah it might, your better off starting all over if possible thyen fighting something that will only get worse. Liquid mask from hobbico sucks. But it is water based and it will either gum up or it will peel off. the water should be just about hot water, enough for you to tolerate. and use dish washing soap.

 

[mjc707]

Thanks again. I bought the hobbico because it is the only thing my LHS had. Tomorrow is another day. I will figure out what to do then . Again thanks for everyones help.

 

[team3six]

Get Parma's or Bob Divleys
Ive used parmas for years and its never an issue and if your hobby shop only sells hobbico, tell them to get their heads out of their you know what and start buying dependable products.

 

[whoodie]

Agreed, Bib Divleys is the best stuff. I apply about 6 medium coats with the airbrush and it is the perfect amount. The medium coats dry really fast and using the airbrush applies it in a very uniform fashion. From my experience with liquid mask is the heavier the better (within reason of course) "thumbsup"

 

[NorCal 2500HD]

From my experience with liquid mask is the heavier the better (within reason of course) "thumbsup"

Exactly. I never shot it through the gun, but have always used a 3" foam paintbrush. Instead of painting on the mask, I would dab the foam brush on the body. Tedious, but it always came out perfect. 2-3 coats and you're golden."thumbsup"

 

[Manning]

Exactly. I never shot it through the gun, but have always used a 3" foam paintbrush. Instead of painting on the mask, I would dab the foam brush on the body. Tedious, but it always came out perfect. 2-3 coats and you're golden."thumbsup"

Basically what I do. Dump some in the body and smear it around. Repeat a couple of times.

 

[mjc707]

Thanks for all the help. What I ended up doing is using hot water like team3six said. It took some patience but it worked. Thanks

 

[team3six]

good to hear, there are many ways to put on the mask. I just choose to paint it on with a brush. Sure its a bit longer, but the main reason I do this is so I get a better bond without risk of air bubbles in the mask like I had from previously using an airbrush or the foam brush, In the past when I did that I would have the occasional air pocket right on the shell. so when I removed an area to paint, it would have bleed properties into the paint. Not saying you cant achieve a good cover with the airbrush or foam brush way. but the rule of thumb is to not rush the coats and your always better off doing 3-4 light coats rather than 1 heavy coat. It dries faster, and makes it much easier to peal up from your work area. Good luck guys and honestly if you have any airbrush questions I can help you with, don't hesitate to ask. Im always welcoming new talent to the airbrush community.