AML 1/72 Spitfire Mk.I/II Masks
By Matt Bittner
One distinguishing feature when painting Spitfires is they used actual masks when the "real things" were painted. It appears these were rubber masks, put on the surface of the aircraft prior to painting the "next color". So, finishing a Spitfire model is a little easier than others because these can be hard, versus soft edges. What better items to use on a model then some sort of mask to finish your Spitfire model.
AML has these masks. They have released both the "A" and "B" Camouflage as separate masks. These are vinyl and while there might be some issue with going around compound curves, I haven't used them yet to find out. Even so, they will be a great help to create your early mark Spitfire. With proper care, you could also be able to use them a couple of times.
First spray the underside color(s) then mask that after the paint dries. AML does provide masks for the sides of the fuselage, where the lower color meets the uppers, but the rest of the undersides will have to be filled in with your favorite masking tape. Next, spray the Dark Earth and once dry then add the AML masks, following the instructions very closely. After all the masks are on the model, then spray the Dark Green. Remove the masks and you now have a painted, early Spitfire.
My thanks to AML for the masks to review.