Paint detailed custom models using specific painting techniques.
Assembly is the technical part of model building. The cutting, sanding and gluing of the pieces gives you a base from which to work on an important element of the art of model making--the painting. Achieving the custom paint job you want for your models can be challenging. Moving from vision to painted reality requires a combination of technique and skill that can take years to master. Fortunately, since there are specific techniques involved, learning the painting process can go a long way toward creating the look you desire. By working in carefully planned steps, even a beginner can create display-worthy models.
Instructions
1. Assemble the model following the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Paint the model with a primer coat. Choose either black or dark brown as a primer to provide depth to your topcoat of paint, provide an even surface for topcoat adhesion, and aid in creating shadows in the engraved areas of your model. Use an airbrush to apply the primer, diluting the paint until it's the same consistency as milk before placing the paint into the airbrush reservoir.
3. Hold the airbrush about six inches from the model and spray the primer evenly onto the surface. Move the model in place, rotating it as much as possible while spraying the primer to achieve even coverage. Spray the model in short passes across the model's surface. Press the trigger on the airbrush to start the paint flow slightly before the paint from the gun will hit the model, and release the trigger slightly after completing a paint pass over the model to prevent the creation of feathered edges where the paint ends. Use a lighter layer of the primer on very detailed pieces of the model, such as aircraft control panels or model faces. Set the model aside to dry for two hours.
4. For larger model areas, apply your topcoat of paint using the airbrush. Mask off the borders of these areas, then airbrush a layer of your desired paint color, applying the paint directly to the sectioned off area. Allow the paint to dry for two hours, then examine the painted surface to ensure that you have the color depth you desire. If not repeat the process. Remove the tape after the final coat's drying period.
5. Paint smaller areas of the model using a paintbrush. Choose a paintbrush size according to the painted line width you need; finer brushes with fewer bristles create thinner lines, allowing for detailed work. Apply the paint in multiple layers, building up a coat using small even strokes of the brush. Always brush in the same direction to avoid a crosshatching effect from the strokes. Allow the paint to dry for two hours, and apply another coat if needed to achieve the look desired.
6. Sand the painted surface using a fine grit sandpaper to create a smooth finish on the paint. Wipe the surface with the tack cloth and place a layer of clear coat onto the painted surface to protect the paint from damage.
7. Ink in any lines in the model for added detail, using a small detail brush. Dip the brush into the model ink and then brush it into the lines. Use an ink that's slightly darker than the topcoat color to simulate shadow from depth in the model. Use a dark ink for lines representing folds or joints between parts of the model. Wipe excess ink from the surface of the model outside the lines with a squeegee. Allow the ink to dry for 10 minutes.
8. Simulate the effects of light on the model by inking lighter colors on raised areas. Use an ink the same color but lighter in shade than the inked area, placing a light coating of the ink along the raised area. Wait 10 minutes drying time.
9. Spray a layer of clear coat spray onto the model to protect the paint job. Allow the clear coat to dry overnight before displaying the model.
Related posts
Custom Paint Your Car WheelsYou can really change the look of your car by painting the wheels. Maybe you want to match your car color or possibly the original chrome is just tired looking or damag...
Motorcycle owners strive to keep their vehicles looking attractive at all times. However, motorcycles, like all automobiles, develop nicks, chips and dents due to the wear and tear of regular use....
Battlelore the board game uses miniatures to help recreate magical medieval battles of varying sizes between multiple factions. The miniatures are of a high quality and molded with a high degree o...
Proper surface preparation will create a durable paint finish on siding.Exterior cladding--also known as siding--covers homes of all ages. A Victorian home wrapped in wooden clapboard will require...
Customizing a paintball gun can be a fun and innovative way to blend in with your surroundings or to stand out from the crowd. Custom paint jobs are simple and can be designed any way the user wou...
