Tools
Tweezers – to attach smaller pieces of masking tape to your model and for removing it after paint has dried
Steel scribing template with round holes – ideal to use when cutting out round masks from masking tape
Scalpel – for cutting round masks and sections of masking tape. No.10A blade in a Swann-Morton scalpel works well for this task
Scissors – for cutting bigger pieces of masking tape or getting into tight corners to trim your tape and generally removing excess. Try to get hold of a small pair of pointed needlework scissors – very sharp and great for this task
Materials
Tamiya masking tape – this comes in three or four different width sizes and is an absolute must. It is the best quality and often re-usable if handled with care.
Success factors
You cut a perfectly circular disc from masking tape that can be pressed into position over the clear round window you want to protect.
You will also get a good clean hard line edge to your demarcation.
Watch out for…
Edges of your masking tape peeling – this isn’t going to happen with this make of tape, provided it is clean. Using a cocktail stick can ensure that the edges are rubbed down well.
Pressing too hard with the point of your scalpel blade and drifting inside the edge of your metal template, thereby creating a non-circular mask that is unusable.