| Once the basic structure of your model | | | | |
| airplane is completed, it's time to think | | | | |
| about painting. | | | | |
| | | | Spray Can |
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| | | | The spray paint can is also commonly used |
| Types of Paint | | | | for model kits. The spray can: |
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| Model paints are generally of two types: | | | | Delivers a smoother paint job with no brush |
| (oil-based) enamels, or aqueous (water-based) | | | | marks. |
| acrylic lacquers. The hobby enamels thin | | | | |
| with mineral spirits, dry slowly and harden | | | | Is faster than brushing. |
| to a high-gloss finish. The hobby acrylics | | | | |
| thin with water or alcohol, dry faster, and | | | | Requires less cleanup. |
| clean up easier. Never mix enamel with | | | | |
| acrylic, and make sure that you use the | | | | |
| correct type of thinner. | | | | |
| | | | However, paint cans deliver a wide area |
| | | | spray and so are somewhat wasteful and more |
| | | | expensive. Also, there is a limited range of |
| | | | colors available, and it's not possible to |
| | | | custom-mix colors. For multiple colors on a |
| Brush | | | | model, masking must be done to limit |
| | | | over-spray. The cans will cool down as they |
| | | | are used, which reduces the paint flow. |
| | | | Place the can in warm water for a few minutes |
| The paintbrush is the simplest method of | | | | to fix this. |
| applying paint. You'll need a broad flat | | | | |
| brush for large area coverage, a medium | | | | |
| diameter round brush for general use, and a | | | | |
| fine-point brush for the smallest detail. | | | | |
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| The keys to getting a smooth paint job are: | | | | Despite their drawbacks, spray cans can be |
| | | | very handy, e.g. for single colors such as |
| | | | model car bodies. Testors spray enamels and |
| | | | Tamiya spray lacquers are popular choices. |
| Use a clean brush. | | | | |
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| Do not overlap brush strokes. Don't paint | | | | |
| over an area with wet paint. If needed, let | | | | |
| the paint dry, then apply a second coat. | | | | |
| | | | Airbrush |
| Use a brush with soft bristles, sable is | | | | |
| best. | | | | |
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| For a wide area, use a wide brush to | | | | The airbrush is the most versatile tool for |
| minimize the number of strokes. | | | | painting small scale models. When used with |
| | | | a compressor as the air source, it behaves as |
| Keep dried paint particles out of your paint | | | | a very large spray can, while also allowing |
| bottle. Use a straw or disposable dropper | | | | control of the pressure and of the amount of |
| when transferring paint. | | | | paint. The airbrush can be used to used to |
| | | | create fine lines of paint and many other |
| For acrylic paints, try adding a small | | | | useful effects. |
| amount of thinner, or acrylic paint retarder. | | | | |
| | | | Some basic tips: |
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| Practice on scrap plastic before painting | | | | |
| your model kit. | | | | |
| | | | A single action airbrush is simpler, easier |
| | | | to learn, and generally lower cost. However, |
| | | | the double action gives you more control over |
| After using the brush, clean up immediately | | | | the paint job. |
| with the recommended thinner. | | | | |
| | | | A compressor will be cheaper in the long run |
| | | | than using cans of compressed air. |