Alternatives to vinyl for masking?

[jolly violet]

So I tried using some vinyl (cut on my Cricut) to mask out a pattern. It, uh, didn't work. I've had luck before but not on something this size, so not sure what was up. Maybe I needed to let the paint and varnish cure more before applying the mask.

But I'm looking for options on other masking materials that might work better. The best option I think might just be sheets of painters tape a la https://www.amazon.com/TapeCase-3M-2090-12-Sheets/dp/B071Y3TSCM but I'm not sure how I'd apply it (maybe it'll work with transfer tape just like vinyl). Any other options suggestions?

[cunning zealot]

So not sure if this would work for your mini. But I know when I do masking on a wall . It's suggested to paint the original wall color first. So that if any paint leaks under the tape it will fill in the gap using the original under paint and let your second layer be" perfect "

Otherwise as you mentioned a transfer decal shape could be a great option if you are okay with that

[full notch]

Airbrushing acrylic in light coats on a primed base will work best with masking/vinyl. The light mist of the 1st coat (so it's small particles of dried paint that stick to plastic without making a film coating that increases acrylic bond. If you've ever seen little paint splatter on an apptment floor that for the life of it won't cleanup. Where a spill of paint is much easier. ) air brushing light coats also keep paint from creeping under tape.