This is an excellent overview. Well done!

Working on a kit now where I tried the “hairspray” method. Not sure what happened but not chipping present lol. Bought some vallejo fluid to try next time. I will have to do some post chipping on the current kit.

I don’t know if you’ve heard of this method or not, but the studio painters in Japan including the creator for SF3D/Maschinen Krieger developed a method for chipping using Mr. Silicone Barrier. It’s near impossible to get state side now but when I had it, it produced the best results based on pressure and tool used when doing lacquer on lacquer chipping/scratching. A stateside solution that Ive scene produce similar results is Smooth on/Mann’s Ease Release 205. Another method that Japanese modelers use that is accessible in the states is this specific hairspray called Kao Cape level 3 which creates larger but controlled chips, and one of my armor modeler buddies over there did an experiment with level 4 and found out that produces very fine scratches and chips. There’s a few Asian grocery supply places online that sells 3 cans for $17, and if you purchase over $25 worth of items they ship for free. Otherwise it’s like $4-5. The ingredients used aren’t the same as other hairsprays, they’re unique to that company, and whatever they are really aid in chipping.

Awesome look at the different techniques. Makes me wonder if by combining chipping fluid/ hairspray with a few light spots of masking solution sponged over the top before applying the top coat of laquer would help to start the process and allow water to get under the laquer where the masking fluid has been rubbed away.