Custom masking in place of decals with Cutting Machine (1 Viewer)

[pinehilljoe]

Has anyone tried making their own masking? I've been test driving Cricut and Silhouette software before buying a machine, and like Silhouette more. My thought is for older kits like Monogram, it would maybe be better than trying to use the 40 to 50 year old decals and over time lower cost than buying decal sheets online. I'm an engineer and work with people that fly through graphics software, I'm not one of them. I'll see how my learning curve is on the software before buying a cutter. I was surprised how well the "Trace" function in the Silhouette app worked. Looks like a powerful tool, it comes down to how you take to the software and creating the file. I can you can build a library of common items as you go, like national insignia.

Its a new turn to the hobby.



View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ha7Iccb9ZYQ

 

[talbot]

I have been using a Portrait 4 for about a year now and really like it, there is so much you can do with these
It is excellent for canopy masks, insignia, markings and camo (though note that it's usually a harder edge vs a soft)

My preference is for Tamiya masking sheets for canopies, and oracal 810 for everything else
I can usually get down to 1mm with good results
There are several ways to approach using them, but once you get the feel of it and know what works the results can be fantastic

The trace does work very well, I did purchase the upgrade so I can trace by colour as well as sometimes it will not trace on outlines

Not sure if I can link, but there is a forum for Scale Model Paint Masks with a repository of masks

 

[pinehilljoe]

talbot With your Portrait 4, do you use the Silhouette software? I'll send you a message for the repository info. What is your technique for creating the file for canopy masks? Painting vs using the year old decals could bring a lot of new life to the old kits.

 

[talbot]

Hi Joe,
Yes I use the Silhouette Software, it works very well and fairly easy to use
As mine is 8" in size, I'll generally work in 6x6" sizes that I'll cut from a roll of oracal 810, or a lot of the time cut to size tamiya sheets for canopies
PM sent for the site - there is a fair bit of templates available for canopies, insignia's and camo patterns, etc

For canopies, I'll generally use templates if available, if I can't find one I'll scan the included marking and decal sheets and work from there, careful on the shape and sizing
YMMV pending how good one is with design software, sometimes you can spend way too much time creating than what it might be worth
The good thing is once you build up a collection of good templates, they are highly re-usable with minor adjustments

You can also install the correct fonts on your computer and generate accurate numbering

Peeling the mask off to reveal a nice crisp insignia with no silvering is pretty satisfying