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STENCILS?..MASKS?..What's the difference?

Both are similar in that they will selectively keep paint from being applied to certain areas, resulting in a "design" being transferred to the surface.

However, "MASKS" come with a special Pressure Sensitive adhesive backing, which allow them to stay in place on their own, until you remove them. Masks should be used when you want/need absolute protection from paint being applied to a certain area ESPECIALLY if you need this protection for an extended time. There are certain effects that may require using combinations of both stencils and masks, but most new users will likely find using masks will give them more consistent results until they gain more experience and confidence with their airbrush and painting skills. Also, it is possible to use masks with a spray can application whereas stencils WILL require the control of an airbrush.

STENCILS are engineered to be held in place only momentarily, thus will not have any adhesive and will require the user to physically hold the stencil in place while the paint is sprayed through its open areas. This can be an big advantage as far as speed goes as multiple instances and variants of the design can be applied in a very short amount of time by moving the stencil to another area and controlling the spray (airbrush) in different manner than the previous occurrence. The down side of stencils is that they do not offer extended protection and its possible for the paint to be blown (underspray) into unintended areas depending on air pressure, angle, and how the stencil is held.

> What do I want to paint "first"? <

This is the key to choosing the masks best for your particular situation or preference.
However, the size and surface type of the body may also be important to consider.
Once you have decided how you will paint the flames, then you may also need to choose from special options as explained below. Its important to keep in mind that not all mask designs will have the same options, and some may only be available in one certain style.

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INNER Only Masks should be used if you want to paint the FLAME COLOR FIRST, apply the mask, then paint the Main body color and remove mask.
Comes WITH Application Film installed.
Best option for rounded/curved body surfaces.

OUTER Only MASKS should be used if you want to paint the Main Body color FIRST, apply the mask, then spray the FLAME COLOR LAST.
Comes WITH Application Film installed.
Recommend primarily for use on 'Flat' body surfaces.

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IN+OUT Masks come with BOTH SIDES which allows you to paint EITHER the FLAME COLOR ~OR~ Main Body color first.
HOWEVER...this mask style will NOT INCLUDE application film, thus may be more difficult to transfer the mask from sheet to surface, especially for those users without experience.
**NOTE!! : Remember that not all designs will be available with this option, please see individual item descriptions and Application Style drop down menus.

INKED W/Film Masks come with BOTH SIDES which allows you to paint EITHER the FLAME COLOR ~OR~ Main Body color first.
HOWEVER...this mask style WILL INCLUDE application film, PLUS, will have the design marked so as to be seen "through" the film. This allows the user to use either mask side, plus have the advantage of easier alignment on the surface.
**NOTE!! : Remember that not all designs will be available with this option, please see individual item descriptions and Application Style drop down menus.

 

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SEMI Transparent
This is the DEFAULT Film style, so if no preference is selected during order placement, (drop down menu options), this is the film that will be installed on your masks order (if applicable). This film is generally slightly less "aggressive" or tacky, and tends to allow easier release of the masks to the surface.

CLEAR
This OPTIONAL film is nearly completely clear, thus allows for considerably easier placement/alignment of the mask to the surface. However, this film is also slightly MORE Aggressive or tacky than the standard semi-transparent film, thus, some designs and/or surface conditions "may" exhibit more difficulty when removing film, as the mask may not "release" completely from the film. User results WILL VARY! FlameMasks.com will NOT be responsible for performance of masks with this film installed.

~ NONE ~ (aka "NO FILM")
This option is of course self explanatory, but primarily is for those users with more experience who wish to place their masks without the aid of application film to transfer from sheet to surface. Some designs will be too complex thus are not available with this option, but where possible, this "no Film" option will generally be the least expensive form available to customers.