Aircraft masking, when painting a plane, refers to the process of painting identifying and decorative elements on a plane by covering (or masking) areas that will not be sprayed using masking tape. Masking commences once the aircraft has been painted in its base color and the paint has dried.
The next phase is to paint the trim design on the plane. This can range from a single or double stripe running the length of the plane to livery and company designs that can cover the entire plane. When marking out designs for the trim a good quality masking tape should be used to cover all areas not being trimmed and to seal blocking paper so it does not lift and result in overspray on the base coat. Do not use newspaper or other paper since paint will penetrate these; instead use masking paper.
At the very least most planes will include trim lines. First find the point of the plane at which they will begin then using fine line masking tape begin masking them. Curves may require smaller widths of masking tape. Use a roller to make sure that the masking tape has adhered to the base coat with a good seal. Once one Aircraft masking has been masked with trim lines (typically including the fuselage, vertical fin, rudder, wings and engine nacelles) this can be transferred to the other side of the plane to save time. There are various approaches to this including tracing it using paper and transferring it to the other side or measuring carefully to sheet metal and rivet lines as reference.
Once the trim design is completely masked make sure any exposed areas of the aircraft are blocked from any overspray. The area to be painted in the trim area must be sanded and scuffed in preparation for painting. In some cases painters spray a light coat of the base color at the masking edge prior to spraying the trim color. This seals the edge and ensures a clean, sharp line when the tape is removed.
If multiple colors are being used for the trim, cover the trim areas that are not being painted at each color application. When the trim painting is complete remove masking tape and paper as soon as the last painted area is dry to the touch. Carefully remove the fine line (edge) trim by pulling it back on itself at a sharp angle. Finally remove all trim masking tape and blocking paper at the base coat to prevent any damage to the paintwork.
