What is masking tape?

Masking tape, also known as airbrush tape or hobby tape, is a type of low-tack adhesive tape that is typically used for painting. It is designed to be removed easily and cleanly from surfaces, leaving no residue behind. A generic tape is used to mask off areas that should not be painted such as windows, and door frames, as well as to create clean paint lines. The modeling version of these types of strips is used to cover parts of your figures, busts, or dioramas while you are painting them, usually with an airbrush. It is made of a thin, paper-like material that is coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The adhesive is formulated to be easy to remove, but also to have enough strength to hold the band in place while painting.

What is masking liquid?

A liquid mask, also known as masking fluid, is a type of temporary protective coating that is used in painting and drawing. It is typically used to mask off areas of a surface that should not be painted or drawn on, such as highlights, reflections, or intricate details.

A liquid mask is a turquoise liquid solution that is applied to a surface using a brush or other applicator. It dries quickly to form a thin, flexible, and water-resistant film that can be easily peeled off or removed with a solvent after the painting or drawing is complete.

Its main advantage is that it can be applied to any surface, including curves and uneven surfaces, unlike all adhesive bands. It also allows for more precision and control, as it can be applied in thin layers to create fine lines and details that may be difficult to achieve with adhesive bands.

Masking tape for curves

Masking tapes can also be used to create clean paint lines on curves or irregular surfaces. To use hobby tape on curves, it is important to use tape that is specifically designed for this purpose, such as low tack and flexible. These types of flexible bands have a less aggressive adhesive and can be stretched a little to conform to curves without pulling away from the surface or leaving a residue behind when removed. They are usually not made of paper but of some kind of waterproof plastic very close to the paper.

When using these types of tapes for curves, it is important to press down firmly on the material as you apply it, making sure that it has fully adhered to the surface. It's also important to use a sharp blade or scissors to cut the strip so that it follows the curve of the surface.

When removing the band, it's best to do it while the acrylic paint is still wet, as it will be easier to remove and will not cause any damage to the surface.

Overall, these airbrush painting tools can be very useful when painting curves, but it's important to choose the right strip and use it properly.

Masking tape vs Painters tape

Both of them are types of adhesive materials commonly used in painting, but they are not the same thing.

• Painter's tape is a general-purpose adhesive material that is typically made from a thin, yellow, or white color, paper-like material that is coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive. It is often used to mask off areas that should not be painted, such as trim, windows, and door frames, as well as to create clean paint lines. However, Painter's one can be difficult to remove, and it may leave behind a residue when it is peeled off.
• Masking tape, on the other hand, is a type of adhesive material that is specifically designed for use in airbrush painting. It is made from a different type of paper and adhesive than regular painter's tape, which makes it easier to remove and less likely to leave behind a residue. It is also typically more expensive than regular painter's tape. It is often used by professional miniature painters, diorama makers, and DIY enthusiasts because of its ability to stick well without leaving residue, it is also more versatile, it can be used on a variety of surfaces such as wood, metal, and glass and it can be used on both indoor and outdoor projects. It can also be used on curves and irregular surfaces.

In summary, while both are used in painting, the airbrush version is a better option for painting scale models and painting dioramas' purposes and detailed work because of its ability to be removed easily and cleanly, leaving behind no residue.

Masking putty vs Masking tape

Both of them are used for covering areas that should not be painted, but they are different products with different properties and uses.

Masking putty is a type of reusable modeling clay that is used to create temporary masks for painting or other applications. It is typically made from a soft, pliable black material that can be shaped and molded by hand to fit the contours of the surface being painted. It is applied directly to the surface and when it dries it can be peeled off or removed with a solvent. Masking putty is good for irregular surfaces and can be used to mask off areas that are difficult to reach with adhesive bands, such as crevices, grooves, and irregular shapes.

Masking tape, on the other hand, is a type of adhesive material that is used to mask off plain areas that should not be painted. It is made from a thin, paper-like material that is coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive. It is applied to the surface and when the paint is dry it can be removed. 

In summary, both of them are used for covering, but they have different properties and uses. Masking Putty is good for irregular surfaces and it can also be applied much more easily while sticky tape is good for straight lines and easy-to-reach areas.