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-   -   How to layout masking tape for wave shape on fuselage ? (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=102663)

petersb 08-03-2013 05:16 AM

How to layout masking tape for wave shape on fuselage ?
 
Need techniques to mask wave shape on side of Rv7a fuselage.

Top will be white and bottom half dark blue. Will start just under spinner and then rise to follow top surface of the wing then down as it moves towards the tail then sweeps up at rudder, this is the current popular wave shape.

Important to get a smooth curve

fl-mike 08-03-2013 09:05 AM

practice. :)

Actually, roll in one hand with about two feet of tape between roll and guide finger. Just sweep it like you think it should be. Then pull it up and re-do about 40 times. Oh, and use the fine-line plastic tape, not paper painters tape. I found wider widths to be easier to lay down without a lot of wiggles.

Put some little bits of masking tape in the general shape to help guide you to the next transition, etc.

But seriously, it will take many tries to get it smooth. I'm sure if you did it every day you could throw it down more consistently.

Good luck!

mike newall 08-03-2013 09:21 AM

Also helps if you use a crayon or water soluble OHP type pen to rough in the shape, or at least key aiming points and then use the fine line tape with a good 'free' length to get smooth swoops.

That's what we did with our Christen Eagle when we did the head on the cowling. The feathers used a template, the side stripes we shot using a laser level.

Another alternative, if you are in a dark hangar is to project a snap of the design onto the side and work onto that.

Ultimately - it's a bit of the 'Feel the force Luke'

:)

erikpmort 08-03-2013 10:10 AM

This is it

http://www.chicagoairbrushsupply.com/3mblfilivita2.html

Laser cut and shapes well.

John Clark 08-03-2013 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fl-mike (Post 794126)
Then pull it up and re-do about 40 times.
Good luck!

That is the truth, a professional aircraft painter and I went through about $60 worth of tape to layout the simple scheme on my '8'. The wad of used tape was the size of a volleyball.



John Clark ATP, CFI
FAAST Team Representative
EAA Flight Advisor
RV8 N18U "Sunshine"
KSBA

Snowflake 08-03-2013 10:31 AM

Have you considered using a vinyl decal for the wave stripe? You could get it cut and placed on a carrier with much less hassle. And you could always change it later if you wanted to.

Kyle Boatright 08-03-2013 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snowflake (Post 794147)
Have you considered using a vinyl decal for the wave stripe? You could get it cut and placed on a carrier with much less hassle. And you could always change it later if you wanted to.

That, or have a vinyl shop make you a template to tape from (or a paint mask).

There are a lot of ways to do this. None of 'em are simple.

GLPalinkas 08-03-2013 01:23 PM

Like Mikey says
 
Couldn't find pics of the fuse painting right away but you can get the idea from the cowling paint. Like Mike and many others say, it's gonna take a few tries?. :D

I did it all freehand and it came out ok for me. Use the wider plastic striping tape from an auto paint supply house. Works better than the thinner stuff. Easier curves.






Weasel 08-03-2013 04:05 PM

Freehand
 
Just like said above---masking tape till it looks right to you.



rockwoodrv9 08-03-2013 04:23 PM

pex
 
I have at times had to paint waves or curves on walls. I used long pieces of plastic trim, rebar, hose, tubing, and lots of tape. For the side of an airplane, I would get some 1/2" pex tubing and use it to form the curve you want by taping it directly to the skin. If the 1/2" doesn't hold the shape you want, go to 3/4" or even 1". Because you can pick red or blue, it will be easy to stand back and get a good look at the curves. Once you get it exactly how you want it, you can use a marker to transfer the pattern to the skin. the trick is getting it the same on both sides. Lucky a person can't see both sides at the same time!

Have fun with it. That is what it is all about!

az_gila 08-03-2013 04:56 PM

My painter said that the correct location to judge "it looks right" as mentioned above is standing at the aft end of the wingtip.

This is how most viewers will judge your striping.

petersb 08-03-2013 08:49 PM

Thanks for the many replies. I think the pex tubing idea may work the best in my case

petersb 08-04-2013 08:18 AM

Hey, great tip about viewing from the aft en DC of wing tip

Peter


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