The package says this mask set is designed for the Trumpeter Seahawk Mk. 100/101. However, it also can be used for masking the canopy in the Trumpeter Seahawk FGA.Mk.6 kit (if you are unable to find Mask set EX220), since these kits share the same clear parts. With a little adjustment here and there, set EX 374 may also be usable for masking the canopies in Classic Airframes1/48 scale Seahawk kits.

Like other Eduard mask sets, this one is made of Kabuki tape (similar to Tamiya’s masking tape) and contains precut masks for the kit’s windscreen, canopy, gunsight, and wheels. The masks will adhere well to any flat or curved surface, so masking is easily accomplished, and the masks can be removed after paining is completed. A simple instruction sheet is included to guide the masking process.

The masking material is not affected by any brand or type of hobby paint. Acrylics, enamels, and lacquers can all be sprayed over them with no problem. Just be sure you press the edges uniformly to avoid any under-bleed and try to spray at a 90˚ angle to the masks. After the paint has had adequate time to dry, lift a corner of each mask with a blade or fine-point tweezers and peel it away to leave a sharply defined edge. If that you are careful and don’t tear or distort the mask, I have found masks can be placed back on the backing sheet and used on a second model (if you are the type of person who has more than one of the same kit in the works at the same time).

This set fits the kit parts well. It was easy to align each mask with the surrounding frame on the windshield and canopy and press the edges with a toothpick to assure there would a sharply painted edge. The canopy mask is provided in two parts to aid application. When in place, the masks leave an open area that is to be filled with any brand of liquid mask. The wheel masks fit the wheel rims exactly, making masking a quick and painless task.

I highly recommend this pre-cut self-adhesive mask set to anyone who wants to speed up painting a Trumpeter Seahawk kit.

My thanks to Eduard and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review this masking set.