When it comes to painting miniatures, whether you're working on Warhammer figures, Infinity models, or even board game minis, achieving clean lines and preserving delicate details can be one of the most challenging aspects of the hobby. This is where liquid mask can be a game-changer. This versatile tool not only simplifies your painting process but also enhances both precision and efficiency. In this post, we’ll dive into the benefits of liquid mask and how it can be used for more than just protecting base coats—it’s also ideal for painting camo patterns, creating sharp details, and even helping during subassembly to prevent unwanted paint on joint areas. Let’s explore just some of the ways liquid mask can elevate your miniature painting game!
What is Liquid Mask?
Liquid mask is a masking fluid or latex-based product that is applied to areas you want to keep paint-free during your painting process. It’s typically used to protect certain sections of your model from being painted while allowing you to work on other areas with ease. Once applied, it dries into a thin, flexible layer that peels away easily without damaging the underlying paint or surface.
For miniatures, this masking fluid can be incredibly useful when you need to keep areas pristine—whether that’s a small detail, a base colour, or a delicate highlight. But the uses of liquid mask go far beyond just protecting base coats, and in this post, we’ll discuss how it can also be a powerful tool for camo painting, as well as how it helps with subassembly painting.
Using Liquid Mask for Painting Camo Patterns
One of the most impressive ways to use liquid mask is when you're tackling camo patterns on tanks, or even soldiers' clothing. Camouflage designs often require multiple layers of paint in different colours, and liquid mask can protect areas where you don’t want to add a new colour, allowing you to layer without worrying about bleeding or overlapping paint. This will save you lots of time, but also make your camo look more realistic.
Step-by-Step: Using Liquid Mask for Camo
- Step 1: Base Coat
Apply your first base coat, whether it’s a neutral colour or the main colour of your camo design (for example, green or tan for military tanks). Let the paint fully dry. - Step 2: Masking
Once the base coat is dry, use a fine brush or applicator to apply liquid mask where you want the camo to remain free of the next layers of paint. (Don’t use your best brushes for this!) This can be as simple as just dabbing the liquid mask in random areas. This could be for areas where you want to keep specific sections of the pattern in your base colour, or to leave room for lighter or darker tones to contrast. - Step 3: Apply Camo Colours
With the liquid mask protecting certain sections, you can now apply the next colour or layer of paint for your camo pattern, such as darker greens or browns. Since the liquid mask will prevent paint from covering the areas you’ve protected, your pattern will remain crisp and clean. - Step 4: Peel the Mask
Once the paint is thoroughly dry, peel away the liquid mask to reveal clean, sharp lines in your camo pattern. You can do this by gently rubbing your finger over the dried masked areas. You’ll be left with a detailed, professional-looking result, without the hassle of taping or worrying about overpainting. - Step 5: (Optional) Adding More Colours
Blocking Joints During Subassembly Painting
It’s common to paint models in subassembly. However, one of the challenges of this approach is that, while you paint individual parts, you often get unwanted paint on the joints or connecting areas where pieces will eventually be glued together. This paint can interfere with the bond of the plastic glue, making the assembly process less effective or even causing the pieces to fall apart.
Liquid mask offers an effective solution to this problem.
How Liquid Mask Helps Block Joints in Subassembly
- Step 1: Mask the Joints
Before you start painting your model’s subassembly parts, apply a thin layer of liquid mask to the areas where the parts will join together. This could be the ends of arms, legs, or any connection points that will be glued later. - Step 2: Paint Your Pieces
With the joints protected by the liquid mask, you can now freely paint your subassembly parts without worrying about accidentally painting over the connecting surfaces. Whether you’re airbrushing or hand-painting, the mask will ensure that the paint doesn’t get where it shouldn’t. - Step 3: Remove the Mask and Assemble
Once the paint has thoroughly dried, peel away the liquid mask from the joints. The areas you’ve masked will be free of paint, allowing the plastic glue to make a strong bond when you assemble the model. You’ll have clean, unpainted connection points, ensuring a secure, lasting assembly.
Protecting Delicate Details During Washes and Dry Brushing
Another great use for liquid mask is preserving delicate details, especially when applying washes or dry brushing. These techniques often involve working with dark pigments or fine pigment powders that could easily smudge over your base colours or intricate details. Liquid mask protects areas that you want to keep untouched, allowing you to apply your wash or dry brushing techniques with confidence.
Add a Bottle of Liquid Mask to Your Painting Tools
Whether you’re looking to perfect your camo patterns, prevent paint from interfering with subassembly joints, or protect intricate details during washes and dry brushing, liquid mask is a powerful tool that can elevate your miniature painting. By simplifying the painting process and offering precise protection, liquid mask allows you to focus on what matters most—creating stunning, detailed models.
So, the next time you pick up your brush to work on your Warhammer or Infinity figures, or if you’re diving into painting your board game minis, don’t forget to add liquid mask to your toolkit. It’s a simple yet highly effective way to improve your painting efficiency and help you achieve the professional results you’ve been aiming for.
