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For years we've been using Cal Mask. It seems to work well for us with all the paints we use...mostly enamels. Today a salesman was telling me to use a cheap intermediate vinyl for a mask instead, claiming them to be the same. Are they? Will the calendered stuff work well with letters under an inch? I've heard some talk about some blue and grey translucent masks, but local suppliers don't carry them here.
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6724 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I have used 3mil calendered vinyl in a pinch but it is a bear to peel off. I wouldn't want to try on a freshly painted background!!
If you are looking for a substitute, try using Avery white(cheaper) or yellow(more $$) paint mask. They both cut and weed nicely. The white is a little thicker and tends to snap or break when you are peeling it, the yellow paint mask is a dream! I don't think you have to worry about Avery shrinking problems either as it is only paint mask and shouldn't be on very long.. lol
I haven't used Cal-Mask so I can't give a fair comparison. I'm sure the adhesives must be different between aby paint mask and calendered vinyl.
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Cal Mask is about the only one I haven't tried. Avery is our choice for all the reasons Darryl mentioned. The white is the most reasonably priced paint mask I've found despite a recent hefty price increase.
-------------------- Dave Sherby "Sandman" SherWood Sign & Graphic Design Crystal Falls, MI 49920 906-875-6201 sherwoodsign@sbcglobal.net Posts: 5400 | From: Crystal Falls, MI USA | Registered: Apr 1999
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Calmask I've never been keen on- I've used a couple of rolls and it's been way too thick for my liking, except for masking on banners.
Aslan & Avery's grey transparent paintmasks & the pale blue ones are much nicer to use, IMHO. Blue is stretchier.
The tack is more manageable than standard calendered vinyl. Just don't use really old mask- it gets brittle- I was sent a dud roll a year ago out of desparation when the suppliers ran out- it was a pain to use, and tore very readily.
-------------------- "Stewey" on chat
"...there are no limits when you aim for perfection..." Jonathan Livingston Seagull Posts: 7014 | From: Highgrove via Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia | Registered: Dec 2002
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Hey Rick, I've got some Avery Paint Mask if you want to try some... Without going to the shop, I think it's 15 inches wide by however long you want to test... It's even got those cute little holes on the edge of the release paper.... Let me know. BTW, is it ever going to get hot? I'm still wearing layers!
-------------------- Rose Davidson Sleeper Woods Design Honoring Tradition with Technology Lakeport, CA 95435 Posts: 104 | From: Lake County, California | Registered: Nov 2005
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Rick, step away from the Cal-Mask! Anything is better than that...even Contac Paper! MacMask is almost as bad. I think in this case I would be tempted to try the Avery.... At least it's only for short-term use! love....Jill
Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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I'll investigate the Avery, although I ordered a 50 yard roll of Cal Mask yesterday.
Rose, when it gets hot on your side of the hill, it gets crowded here with the inland refugees. They come here to steal our cool and fog and absorb our weather so this place looks like home to them and they leave.
I want to come over some time to see your robot carver.
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6724 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I don't have experience with some of the masks mentioned, but I like GerberMask the best. Transfer tape works great if you are going to hand cut something, and contac paper will work in an emergency.
-------------------- Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain ! Jim Moser Design 13342 C Grass Valley Ave. Grass Valley, Ca. 95945 530-273-7615 jwmoser@att.net Posts: 488 | From: Grass Valley, Ca. | Registered: May 2006
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bring a stick o'redwood and we'll make something out of it...
hopefully more than just sawdust and kindling..
-------------------- Rose Davidson Sleeper Woods Design Honoring Tradition with Technology Lakeport, CA 95435 Posts: 104 | From: Lake County, California | Registered: Nov 2005
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