Matt.
Not sure on exactly what N-Design is doing, could use some pictures to explain it better !
In my experience - liquid mask WILL lift the vinyl if you try to - for example lay down some typography or logo, then liquid mask over the top. When you peel the liquid mask off, it will pull at the vinyl and if it's a big enough area, it will pull the vinyl straight off!
I've done something similar to AndyG's walkthrough - but it takes time and planning !
AndyG and I have discussed this topic at length, and his was - for us - so far is the best.
If you want to overlap area's of colour and do the usual liquid mask stuff - then use liquid mask
- the last few shells i've painted are using liquid mask for all of the design and only vinyl for details such as the window masks and carbon panels etc. I do all of the main design in liquid mask - to be honest - i'm favouring this approach as with liquid mask you have the safety net of all the mask - other than the area you are painting - protected.
With lots of my shells - where I only use vinyl - it's the exact opposite - the majority of the shell is unmasked and the details are masked using vinyl - as shown here :
http://shillyshells.co.uk/wp/my-workflow/
Can't wait so see how you get on with the Cutter Mat - did you go for the Graphtex in the end - the expensive one ?
Would be very interested if there is a 'better way'
Andy