How do I get a good outline when painting

[team3six]

I have the proline military Hummer body, I made some designs on the sides that needs outline in black. The problem is it is in need of being pretty exact and I thought about liquesd masking it, but I do not believe that I will be able to cut out my design while in the shell getting that nice line. so the next step was making a mask. the problem is getting the mask to bend in all the nooks along the side of the shell. so I guess painting it on would be the next choice. I guess what I am asking is there any other alternative I can use that maybe I just cant think of. I kinda wish there was a marker I could use to draw it on in the inside to where I wont have a problem painting around it or risking the line to get distorted. any idea would be helpful

[PyroMike]

Well if your talking about pinstrips, you can cut them out (also the harder way at times). You could use fine line tape like Pactra Masking Tape 1/16" (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCY71&P=0) or some 3M 1/8" Blue Fineline Tape (http://www.bearair.com/prodinfo.asp?number=510131) , But I wouldn't go over 1/8" tape. It is safe to use the tape, and put liquid mask over the tape.

[team3six]

Thanks mike, I just ended up painting it, it was teeth for the front of the body. here is the picture of what I was painting. well it is kinda like this, but close and I needed an outline

[xacdesigns]

I have found that if I try to use a fine line tape inside a shell, it's enough to drive me insane :D

Just use liquid masking, hold your knife near the end and it will make straighter lines. I have a vitamin B-12 problem and if it's low my hands start shaking like crazy when I am cutting liquid mask and pinstriping. I just relax, take my time, and it works out pretty good. Remembering to breathe helps too :D

[davecnitrors4]

Norm, I have drawn fine lines with a sharpie and then painted over them. It works, but they aren't pure black, like a paint line. Maybe you can test it on a scrap and see if it works for your design.

Cutting all of those lines in mask film will be time consuming. Like Xac said, practice holding the knife back, and lightly, it will cut a strighter line. Practice it on scrap for a while first. And don't do it all jacked up on Monster or Cokes!!!

Relax! Play some classical music and you'll find your way.

[xacdesigns]

And don't do it all jacked up on Monster or Cokes!!!

LOL I like that one!

I like to throw in a little Pantera or other various angry music for cutting pinstriping:D

[tkcustoms]

Use a liner paintbrush.

[davecnitrors4]

Brushed on striping is tough with Faskolor, it's too thin. Maybe easier with automotive paints like HOK, etc... and learning to paint stripes is tougher than learning to trim them, IMO.

[tkcustoms]

Brushed on striping is tough with Faskolor, it's too thin. Maybe easier with automotive paints like HOK, etc... and learning to paint stripes is tougher than learning to trim them, IMO.

I don't use Faskolor, a brush and some black Pactra lacquer make for some quick outlines. Trimming liquid mask may be easier but it doesn't make you a better painter, it makes you a better masker.

[team3six]

Use a liner paintbrush.

Man all you guys are great, I appreciate the help on this but I just did it with a fine line paintbrush, did not turn out to bad, we will see when the product is finished. I would have to bet though it is alot better than alot of people can do freehand, sure is not like pinstriping a car. Again thank you all.

[team3six]

Now is there a way to remove the Silver sharpie I used on the outside mask of the lexan body so I can see if there is anything I can touchup. I figure you guys might know something so I do not disturb the thin coating covering the body

[davecnitrors4]

denatured alky is what I use. Very quick and light on a paper towel.