Parafilm

Discussion in 'Modeling Tips' started by skyraider, Jul 19, 2022.

  1. skyraider

    skyraider Member

    My airbrush skills are honestly pretty poor. My masking skills are even worse. I hate masking. Cutting pieces of tape or whatever else that is adhesive doesn't work well for me.

    Decades ago someone told me about a product called Parafilm. It is the easiest way to mask off parts I have ever found. It's basically a thin wax sheet that comes in a roll. The roll I have (pictured) is about 30 years old and still works perfectly. All you have to do is cut a piece off, warm it a little with your fingertips, spread and shape it, and press it onto and around whatever you need to protect from paint. You can use the tip of an Xacto blade to move it around in really tight places. When you are done, just peel it off. There's no adhesive residue to remove.

    You may already know about this product, but I thought it was worth mentioning. It is so easy to use. I have no idea what it costs now because the roll I have will last me several more years.

    Paul Moore

    IMG_5775.JPG PAINTED CAB.jpg IMG_5774.JPG
     
  2. WindsorSpring

    WindsorSpring Member

    Interesting use for the stuff. We used it as a temporary seal in the lab on all shapes of glassware. It is a bit tricky to remove the last little bits if you have over-stretched the film. I suppose a gentle nudge with an X-Acto blade will get the last little pieces if there are any.
     
  3. skyraider

    skyraider Member

    Yeah, it was designed as a medical product, but works great on the modeling desk, as well. I've never had a problem getting it off after spraying. If you spread it too thin, it can get a little touchy, but you get the feel pretty quickly for how far you can stretch it. I go slowly and just sort of massage it into the needed size and shape. You are correct, a gentle nudge with an exacto blade or pointed toothpick (toothpick is less likely to scratch paint) will easily remove the last bits.

    There are all kinds of applications where I used to wait to install a component until after painting. Now, if it's a piece or subassembly that would be more easily installed before painting, I glue it on and cover it with parafilm. It works on aircraft canopies, already installed windshileds, handrails and grabirons, etc, etc.

    Paul Moore
     
  4. palallin

    palallin Member

    How/where does one get such a thing?
     
  5. skyraider

    skyraider Member

    Do a browser search and you'll find quite a few listings--a bunch of different sizes. It's still made and available.
     
  6. WindsorSpring

    WindsorSpring Member

    I imagine a laboratory supply firm would have it.
     

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