Kit Masx | FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question that isn't answered here, email us and we'll get you an answer pronto!
Are your prices listed in Canadian dollars (CAD) or another currency?
All of our prices are listed in Canadian dollars (CAD) 🍁. This applies to both our US and international customers. Please be aware that the final amount charged to your account may differ slightly due to exchange rates and any additional fees your bank may apply for currency conversion. We recommend checking the current exchange rate to better understand how your total may convert to your local currency.
How do I use painting masks?
You can use painting masks to protect the clear parts of your model (like canopies or landing lights) while spraying around them. They can also be used to re-create the kit-provided decals (main markings) for a more realistic finish.
Always clean your parts before using masks. Remove any residual oils with soapy water. Use a pair of needle-nose tweezers to remove the mask from the sheet and apply. To remove the masks, use a toothpick to gently lift the edge and avoid scraping the painted surface.
Tip: Dip your clean parts in acrylic floor polish (like Future) and let them dry before applying masks. This hides imperfections and makes your clear parts look clean and clear. It also creates a pristine surface for mask adhesion (but isn't necessary).
Which is better, Tamiya tape or vinyl?
Our vinyl masks are flexible, adhere really well, and are easy to work with. However, vinyl doesn't have a long shelf life once it's cut because the masks shrink a little over time.
All of our masks are cut to order, so if you intend to use them within 6 months, vinyl is a great and more affordable option. If you're planning on storing them for a while (6 months or more), Tamiya tape is definitely better. If sealed properly, masks made from Tamiya tape can last for years.
For compound curves, we designed our masks to pair seamlessly with masking fluid regardless of whether you're using vinyl or Tamiya masks.
Both vinyl and Tamiya tape lift easily without leaving residue or lifting paint layers, and both leave a crisp clean paint masking edge.
In summary, the choice between vinyl and Tamiya tape masks comes down to how quickly you intend to use them and personal preference!
Why is there a significant price difference between vinyl and Tamiya tape in some cases?
For some of our larger sets, including markings, master mask sets, and national insignias, you may notice a significant price difference between vinyl and Tamiya. This discrepancy arises for a few reasons.
Higher Tamiya Tape Usage: Due to the pre-cut size of Tamiya sheets, we are limited in what we can fit on a single sheet. Consequently, we need more Tamiya tape than vinyl for the same mask set.
Time-Consuming Cutting Process: The pre-determined size of Tamiya sheets requires us to perform several cuts for one mask set, whereas vinyl typically only needs one or two cuts.
Higher Cost of Tamiya Tape: Tamiya tape used to cost six times more than vinyl until our best friend Kerry came along. Now, it's only three times more expensive, which is a significant savings! However, this still results in a consistent price difference between vinyl and Tamiya tape.