These days, unless the 1/1 scale prototype was spray painted, I brush paint. One of the benefits of switching from ships and armor to civilian modeling is I don't have to clean the airbrush as much.

So, no need for a mask if you're following the line of clapboard or brick. Brushed results have a realistic "patina" for want of a better word.
On the issue of spray paint "creep" its really only a problem if you go on thick and wet, as from a rattle can. Then a clear coat can help. With an airbrush, thin, light passes angled slightly away from the underside of the tape should not require the additional clear coat.
Dave