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