All About Painting A Scale Model
If you are working on a scale model, regardless of its size – small or large – possibilities are you will need to let loose the airbrushes or paint brushes at some point. No matter you are building model boat kits, iconic car, a legendary warplane, a historic ship, or even a science fiction icon, you are required to be familiar with the right technique to get the model painted properly. This guide has been focused on the ways to get you acquainted with the same for scale modelers. Let us take a quick look at it here.
Getting started with painting a scale model kit
Regardless of the type of the scale model kit you are working with – from the Spitfire to the Jaguar E-type – there are a small number of crucial things prior to you begin to finish the scale model. The kind of paint you make use of is a very important component – you can even check out a variety of blogs and forums that will help you make out the actual difference between enamel and acrylic paint.
One more vital decision is precisely what look you are going for – will you keep the paint job clean, or go for that rugged, weathered appearance? If it is the latter, the experts and experienced scale modelers and hobbyists always recommend giving a quick look at the instructions provided with model boat kits and even get in touch with the manufacturer’s website to check out more details regarding the same.
If you have selected the paint, confirmed the finish you would like, and have geared up the workspace, you are all set to get started.
Steps to painting a scale model
- Attach the part of the model you wish to paint to a wire coat hanger. Stretch the coat hanger into a diamond shape and fold it so that it looks like a C. It lets you hang the model while getting painted. Make use of masking tape to connect the model part to the hanger.
- Make use of the tape to mask any areas you don’t want to paint, and spray a coat of primer across the model kit section. Let the scale model air dry.
- Get rid of the part from the hanger and sand the surface to do away with any flaws and create a smooth surface for the paint coat.
- Wash the surface of the scale model component with a damp rag and a drop of dish soap. This will help get rid of any leftover and sanding dust. Once cleaned, pat it dry.
- Choose the paint of choice and apply the coats, either using an airbrush or paint brush. Smooth and even coats must be applied. Let the part dry during the night before applying a fresh coat.