I have DML KT, Tiger’s, Tamiya Panther G’s and I was just wondering I usually BOB and use the kit decals and painting instructions, how do you know by looking at the instructions or box pictures if the camo should be soft edge or hard edge? I am new to airbrushing camo and in a recent thread I have been advised how to airbrush soft edge, what’s the best way to mask for hard edge?
You probably can’t. It’s best to search for real “reference” photos or wait and see if anyone else on the forum has an idea.
Masking a hard edge is easy. Just make sure the “mask” is right up against the model’s surface. As you already know, masking a soft edge requires you to have a space in between the models surface and the “mask”, therefore allowing some overspray…thus giving you the soft edge.
Check these out:
http://www.scaleworkshop.com/workshop/video5bg_1.htm
http://www.scaleworkshop.com/workshop/video6abg_1.htm
http://www.scaleworkshop.com/workshop/video6bbg_1.htm[](http://www.scaleworkshop.com/workshop/video6bbg_1.htm)
The reference photos in my collection show the overwhelming majority of German 3-color camo is soft-edged, painted using the compressors built into their tanks. On a rare occasion (usually due to time constraint) they would brush the colors by hand, which naturally would give a hard edge to the colors. The only times I can tell you for sure that colors were brushed on was winter whitewash, which was applied with anything from brooms to bare hands, and applications of mud, which again were applied with whatever was handy.
But if you want to spray hard edge, you can use MicroMask, or a material called “frisket” which is a lightweight mylar used by airbrush artists, or just plain old masking tape (the blue painter’s tape works best).
Hope this helps.
SillyPutty Buddy.