Kyosho 'Micron Line Tape' for Panel Lines
I love this stuff and thought I'd post this just for reference; Surely most of the seasoned modelers out there have already heard of this tape- I think it's used pretty commonly here on TC. I wish I had known about the stuff sooner as it is the FINEST tape I've ever seen and it's pretty good quality to boot ;) The material it is made from is very similar to paper masking tape, but smoother and better than average adhesive. Conforms to tight compound curves like no other!
I've used this tape as panel lines on a number of lexan bodies and even occasionally as weather stripping, etc. on injection molded bodies. It has a flat finish that looks very similar to rubber or matte plastic mouldings, and comes in different widths: 0.7, 1, 1.5, and 2.5mm. Personally I find the 0.4mm is best for all around and is the most 'pliable' due to its very thin width.
As for where to find the stuff... My usual source has been Time Tunnel Models, but it's pay-and-wait game since they do their orders in batches and I live on the other side of the pond. Not exactly cheap this way either - but totally worth it in my mind. I've asked my local hobby shop owner about his stuff a couple of times, and got the impression that it was hardly worth the 'trouble' involved in dealing directly with Kyosho ? Go figure.
Anyhow, I posted this up here in case someone may not have heard of this stuff before - I realise there are other solutions to body panel lines other than tape. I just happen to like the uniformity that the Kyosho tape provides and dislike using more 'permanent' solutions such as pens and paint.
Comments
scaletamiya
1/1 car body pin stripe is just has good....
OCD
Thanks for the suggestion Do you know where I can find pinstriping that is .4 mm thick and matte finished?
alex-digital
Yeah sweet mate, thanks for posting. You've saved my life. I was going to resort to insulation tape (don't even know if this works) but am glad to see manufacturers are on the game. I'm sure others have been aware of this but I'm a bit slow in keeping up with thhings so many thanks again dude! Nice one.
Blacque Jacque
Great idea, gotta be better than Sharpies, I'll have to get some from TTM & try it. Thanks for a really great tip.
Victorious Secret
WOW great tool!! I have never seen this but I think i will start buying them! No more cutting my own! Thanks brother OCD!!!
TA-Mark
New product to me too. Will save me hours of hand painting in body lines. Thanks for posting it.
OCD
Hey no problem, fellas I first heard micron tape here on TC some years ago, but had to search around to find some. From what I understand, Kyosho has been making the stuff for years, so it's kinda surprising more of us haven't heard of it.
rizzo rat
Automotive line tape does the same trick and available in most good car paint suppliers. You buy more of it but in the long run it works out cheeper.
OCD
Ah yes, automotive line tape -- I assume you're referring to the pinstriping tape that was mentioned earlier? I like the idea, but can't seem to find any that is 0.4mm or matte finished. Any examples?
Victorious Secret
Brother OCD, do you know where you can get some of this tape in the USA? I would like to try them out!
beetleman
I also was not aware of this - thank you. At first glance I thought it was flexible masking tape, which is something I've been searching forever, and am skeptical if exists. Who of us hasn't struggled to mask curves, e.g Sand Scorcher box art scheme, and found it next to impossible? Tamiya's masking tape is excellent, but not flexible. If anyone out there knows of such a product, please share.
def4x4
This is very nice fine line tape, is it also to get in another color then only black!
Mud-Plugger
I honestly thought this stuff had been discontinued years ago!
Davecat
Turns corners better that automotive tape does. Cant believe the seasoned builders that have never heard of it before though. Available in many colours and thicknesses. Has a habit of delaminating if it has been used on tight corners and fiddly sections. Have also heard thats its long been discontinued but am still able to source it here in NZ.
OCD
Thanks for the info, Davecat! I have also heard that the stuff is discontinued, but it appears that Time Tunnel has a regular source of it. For how long I don't know... Suppose it's possible Kyosho is still making the stuff?
tamiyoman
Kyosho are not making this anymore, its been long discontinued, but Kyosho still has stocks of it, i belive they have 1mm in blue,green,red,white & yellow and 1.5mm in blue, green & yelow along with .4mm in black. and .7mm in black, i would order pretty quickly tho as they are running out fast! (i just got myself a few rolls and i asked!).
Cheers
OCD
@ Tamiyoman: Shhh! Don't tell anyone it's been discontinued... Let's keep this our little secret, OK?
scollins
thought this stuff was discontinued!
optimaforever
I buy them in Holland, and in Japan.
They appeared in Kyosho catalog since 1985, but without internet they were hard to source. now, just google and voila!
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