Stencil question

[Deleted]

I just received my first set of PE stencils for German armor markings. I have never used a stencil like this before so I have some general questions.

#1. I know it shoud be pretty flush with the surface to achieve a crisp marking, but should I tape it down, blue tack or what? Any good tips/shortcuts?

#2. Do you AB the marking or "stencil" it like in real life. I was thinking that dabbing paint on with a small piece of sponge would be easier.

#3. If airbrushed  do you thin the paint like a normal finish or go thicker or thinner?

#4. How about dabbing with say Vallejo, keep it thick and use it sparingly? Same with enamel?

Inquiring minds want to know.

G

[ceresvesta.]

I do want to know too! Sorry,,no intel from me but, I'm defo following this thread.
Phil.

[wbill76]

G,

When I've seen stencils used (not used them myself), they usually are taped flush to the surface with sufficient masking around the stencil to allow for airbrush passes. Trying to paint within the stencil using a brush may be a challenge, your 'dabbing/sponge' approach might work, but experiment with it first. As for thinning paint, I would assume you would not need to thin it any more than normal depending on how 'tight' of a pattern you're able to get with your AB and pressure settings.

[Tobi]

I have some practice with PE stencils. Here's my advice:

- firmly tape it to the surface, and tape enough around to allow for over-spray.
- no stippling. I tried out and the paint can creep under the stencil (only works with self adhesives). Thick paint is no solution as it can clog the stencil.
- normal thinning of the paint for the AB is ideal.
- use low pressure for airbrushing, as too much can lift the stencil during spraying and the paint will creep under it again.
- spray with several light passes for covering, because trying with one heavy coat, you guessed it, will make the paint creep under the stencil!
- spray only vertically on the stencil, because, well, I let you finish the sentence...



Cheers,
Tobi

[Deleted]

Thank you gentlemen, gentlemen thank you.

Tobi that's what I was looking for.

Ok the main idea is not to let the paint creep under the stencil. Got it!

Any body else want to chime in ?

G

[Tobi]

There, you got it G. It's the most tedious way of decorating your model, but also the most rewarding IMHO.

Enjoy!

Dicky - that's what I already wrote, didn't I?

Cheers,
Tobi

[Deleted]

Wait, wait a minute, now let me get this straight. Hold on......

Ok ok, don't let the paint creep under the stencil, right? That's it right?

Ok, we got this............maybe.

G

[Tobi]

BTW forgot to mention one little thing. Don't let the paint creep under the stencil!

Cheers,
Tobi

[tigrazor]

Well... Did some stenciling recently and worked fine with white Vallejo paint and a sponge:



If the color isnt too thin, it wont creep under the stencil btw

[ironhand6]

 G, i have used these in the past and if you tape them tight and use low pressure they look great. Now there is a nasty rumor that paint may creep under the mask; but I have it on good authority if the planets are aligned just right, sing the battle hymn of the republic(perfect pitch-naturally)while wearing a Desert Storm MOPP suit, then you have a 32% chance of nailing it!!

[Deleted]

Jan 21, 2014 22:14:56 GMT -5 ironhand6 said:

 G, i have used these in the past and if you tape them tight and use low pressure they look great. Now there is a nasty rumor that paint may creep under the mask; but I have it on good authority if the planets are aligned just right, sing the battle hymn of the republic(perfect pitch-naturally)while wearing a Desert Storm MOPP suit, then you have a 32% chance of nailing it!!

I just saw this comment.

I'm still laughing.

Keep in mind Race and Sports books here in Las Vegas were taking action and laying odds on my success rate.

I believe I achieved that 32% probability.  

G

[dupes]

Jan 2, 2014 22:05:09 GMT -5 @agentg said:

#1. I know it shoud be pretty flush with the surface to achieve a crisp marking, but should I tape it down, blue tack or what? Any good tips/shortcuts?

#2. Do you AB the marking or "stencil" it like in real life. I was thinking that dabbing paint on with a small piece of sponge would be easier.

#3. If airbrushed  do you thin the paint like a normal finish or go thicker or thinner?

#4. How about dabbing with say Vallejo, keep it thick and use it sparingly? Same with enamel?

1. I've used both to good effect. The key word is "flush to the surface". If it isn't flush, you'll get bleed under.

2. Airbrush. About as close as you can get to simulating the rattle cans we used to stencil our Humvees in the Army! Keep the pressure as low as you can (to prevent bleed under - see #1).

3. Don't thin the paint too much...or it'll bleed under (sense a theme?). Maybe thicker than you usually spray, but you don't want to spatter past your masks, either. Three or four passes with the usual density should give you good coverage.

4. Never tried it.

Other tips - keep the part you're painting horizontal! I.E., parallel to the ground. If you try to stencil a vertical surface, you'll get (anyone?) bleed under!

[imatanker]

Did anyone think to mention that you need to be careful NOT to let the paint creep under the stencil?

[ceresvesta.]

Feb 9, 2014 5:31:14 GMT -5 imatanker said:

Did anyone think to mention that you need to be careful NOT to let the paint creep under the stencil?

Nop. Never heard that paint may creep under there, must have been another thread Jeff

[bigjohn]

Good advise and great thread G! I've never used stencils before because I didn't want any "creepers".

[Deleted]

Feb 9, 2014 5:31:14 GMT -5 imatanker said:

Did anyone think to mention that you need to be careful NOT to let the paint creep under the stencil?

I heard that somewhere.........

Jeepers Creepers! I better be careful.

G