Hi! I’m a new modeler… i mean i started building last month! I really enjoy it and i want to learn it really good! but i have some questions…
1st - I bought a Revell Sikorsky MH-60L Black Hawk, scale 1:48 and of course I want to make it look good! Although the kit is already in a close color (dark green), should i airbrush it (the whole kit?)? this is general, when i buy a new kit, even if it is in a color similar to the one that i want, is it better to airbrush it first? because i want to add weathering and wash! please give me some tips to help me! it is my third kit.
also, if i want to add effects like weathering and others, is it better to aplly future before or after?
thank u for all the answer…
Soreal
Never let anyone see plastic on one of your kits. The realism won’t be there. Start with a
nice even base coat, and then weather the kit for some realism. I use washes and
drybrushing.
Since you are in 1/48 scale, airbrush on you paint. The brush strokes will be too visible
in this scale.
[:D]
G
Howdy Soreal!![#welcome]
Do you own an AIR BRUSH yet?
Make sure to wash the parts in a good warm dish soap water, rinse and DRY very well…some most kits have that MOLD RELEASE agent that is not always easy to see or feel but will interfer with your paint quality.
When the kits plastic color is pretty close to the final coat, then using a PRIMER coat is not 100% necassary.
Sounds like your off to a good start ( good taste in KITS for one! ) and never be afraid to ask questions!
You can e-mail me if you have more questions.
ttenlow@prodigy.net
GOOD LUCK!!! and keep us informed! [:D]
Soreal,
Welcome!!
I agree with the good advice already posted. My suggestions are that you spray or airbrush you model … then weather the paint. Best done by adding a little white to the base color to show faded areas and applied by airbrush. After all that’s done, put your Future coat down (let it dry for DAYS) and then you can use an enamel wash (a wash is a little color with a lot of thinner) to accent your panel lines, show exhaust, etc. If you don’t get too carried away with volume and time (as in waiting too long to wipe off the excess wash) the enamel wash will not penetrate the future. Finish up with a coat of a water based clear flat when a flat finished is required. I’ve gotten away from all clear coats … gloss, satin or flat that are NOT waterbased (anyone want a bunch of cans of Testors Gloss Coat and Dull Coat?) The others yellow too much with age.
I hope that helps you. Be sure and get some reference photos from books or the web. Seeing the effects of age and weather on the real thing can be a tremendous help for you in obtaining the kind of finish of which you will be proud. Don’t hesitate to ask if you need more help.
Paul
Welcome Soreal,
Ditto’s on the above statements!
There are three words I can offer; practice, practice, practice. No one EVER achieves perfection… (that’s why we’re all still here! [:D]
Take care and never hesitate to ask questions; this Forum is a melting pot of experiences, providing idea’s for the new, and the old modeler.
Take care,
Frank
