Easy, Perfect, Panel Lines

Like many adults, I returned to modeling after many years absence. I have found the the new models while much more expensive than those of my youth are the products of sensationally good engineering and make super looking models. Part of that engineering is the use of engraved or recessed panel lines, as opposed to the raised ones that prevailed 30 years ago. Viewing photos of virtually every model featured in FSM, I am struck by the beautifully highlighted panel lines.

Most of these are the product of either oil based or acrylic washes. For reasons unknown, when I try this technique, either the lines are too stark, or virtually invisible. Furthermore, even with a generous pre-coat of Future, washes tend to be difficult if not impossible to remove if too much is applied. A review of techniques in this forum reveals that many others have the identical problems. I think it may have to do with the exact formula of the wash, the amount of future, and the kind of paint. Consequently, one man’s success is anothers problem.

In searching for a solution, I have developed an easy and excellent method to highlight these lines. The pricipal tools is a “razor point” pen manufactured by Pilot, and available at Office Max, Staples and other office supply houses. They are markers, with water soluble ink, and an extremely fine point.

The technique is simple:

  1. Generously blow future on the plane. I used two coats.

  2. Prepare a paper towel by dampening a portion before you set too work. Too much water is more of a problem than too little. I immerse a corner of the towel, but use the area near that corner which gets damp by capillary action in the towel. You will have to experiment to find the right level of dampness, but this technique lends itself to experimentation.

  3. Use the pen to fill in the lines in one direction, i.e fore-and-aft, or crosswise on the model. I do the fore-and-aft panel lines first, then the crosswise. Don’t try to do too much a one time, because you want to work while the ink is still wet.

4 VERY GENTLY stroke ACROSS the panel line with the damp paper towel. If you work in the direction of the paper towel, or use too much force, you will probably remove all the ink. A very gentle motion, almost a dab instead of a wipe leaves the thinnest line imaginable at the bottom of the etching. These lines are present but subtle. They do not dominate the work.

5 When finished with one direction, to the other. I do the crosswise last because the final direction of my cleaning motion is the same as the airflow across the fusulage. This lends a very subtle effect when done gently.

  1. You will find some slight staining of paint outside the panel lines from this technique, but I think that it is desireable.

  2. A major benefit of this technique is that if you rub in the direction of the line, the ink disappears and you can start again. As I was teaching myself how to do this, some panels were worked on 6 to 10 times.

  3. A 1:48 Spitfire took me about an hour the first time I did this.

That’s all there is too it. Give it a try. If you have good [or bad] results let me know.

Thanks

Jimf

Heck, I’ll give it a try. I’ve tried 3 other techniques on one bird… none looked too great. I tend to over-do it. Post a pic- I’d like to see how it turns out.

Sounds like you are applying the same technique as with a sludge wash just using the ink pen instead. I too would be interested in seeing a picture of your results.

Ditto… I might strop and pick up one of those pens on the way home just to try it out!

I presume you’re using a black marker to do this! Is it possible that the lines would be a little bit dark? I did not experiment the sludge wash on panel lines yet but I will in a very near future. I have grab all the information I could get for the washes but I will take the easiest technique. If you had great results with the marker technique, I’m on my way to the store.

I have used this tequnique. The only diffrence is I used a very fine point marker made for scrap booking, and I just put a dab of spit on my finger and smeared the ink all over. It gave a great affect of staining and splotchyness, and you can really make it look random, just push harder in one area than another.