Scout Helmet Respirator Underlayer Painting

[EC-17 Holdout Blaster]

I have been building a helmet kit from far away creations, or MonCalsPropShop on Esty, and have recently come to the step when I need to paint the portion of the helmet underneath the respirator, where it should be black, but I cannot figure out a way to get a perfectly curved line along the center of the ridge, without going through complex processes that require a lot of guesswork, does anyone have any advice or information on what I should do. The website that has the instructions kind of skips over what I should do here, linked here: https://www.facebook.com/124196600929034/photos/a.3055973151084683/3055980477750617/?type=3&theater and I was hoping for some sort of help with this part.

 

[KOtrooper]

I made a template and cut it out with my Cricut (vinyl cutter). You can see my process here: 

 

 

[EC-17 Holdout Blaster]

ah, ok thanks so much.

[Chopper]

If you don't have a vinyl cutter, you can use the 3M tape for curves, which will help you with the top rounded part.

https://www.amazon.com/Scotch-051131936133-FA2038-Original-Version/dp/B0027AC9RI/ref=pd_bxgy_1/141-3035324-4373405?pd_rd_w=Durqj&pf_rd_p=c64372fa-c41c-422e-990d-9e034f73989b&pf_rd_r=N6BYHKK3VBWYJMAA0SZN&pd_rd_r=1f2e45b3-297b-4a35-805c-7d0c8e5de91a&pd_rd_wg=4Gdup&pd_rd_i=B0027AC9RI&psc=1

[BikerScout007]

1 hour ago, Chopper said:

If you don't have a vinyl cutter, you can use the 3M tape for curves, which will help you with the top rounded part.

https://www.amazon.com/Scotch-051131936133-FA2038-Original-Version/dp/B0027AC9RI/ref=pd_bxgy_1/141-3035324-4373405?pd_rd_w=Durqj&pf_rd_p=c64372fa-c41c-422e-990d-9e034f73989b&pf_rd_r=N6BYHKK3VBWYJMAA0SZN&pd_rd_r=1f2e45b3-297b-4a35-805c-7d0c8e5de91a&pd_rd_wg=4Gdup&pd_rd_i=B0027AC9RI&psc=1

This is what I used.  But @KOtrooper's solution sounds so much better!  

Melody you need to sell those!

[KOtrooper]

This is what I used.  But [mention=83276]KOtrooper[/mention]'s solution sounds so much better!  
Melody you need to sell those!

I have the SVG available for a free download.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[MikerScout]

I used fine line tape. This was my procedure
1. Use a finger and a pencil to create your marks.  You can hold a pretty even line all the way around.  You're not trying to "draw" the shape, just put a few guides for running your fine line.
2. Run your first straight with the fine line in one pull.  Tack it at the bottom, pull the tape somewhat tight and drop it in place giving your first side a nice straight line.  Press the tape to the part just prior to the start of your curve.
3. Keeping the tape under tension start gently going around the curve pressing the tape to the part.  If you get a "flat" spot or you go wide just a couple millimeters off and retack it.  Work your way around the curve pressing where the tape is tangent to the curve.
4. once you get just past the end of your curve pull off several inches and finish your final straight, again in one take keeping the tape straight.

Fine line tape can be found at most auto part stores.  It's a vinyl tape with low tac and high stretch.  Once you get it on, mask off your part and spray.  Nice LIGHT coats, just enough to make it black and no more.  Once the paint has tacked up you can pull off the fine line.  Pull the tape slightly toward the painted area.  Not straight up or away, you can stretch the paint and it will drop out side your line.  By pulling toward your paint the fine line will cut the paint leaving a nice clean edge.

 

Ok video here.:

[EC-17 Holdout Blaster]

Alright, thanks so much, I'm definitely gonna try this!