Important Question about Undercoats

[Rangatron]

Hello

Over the months I have found that the three main ways to paint a shadow undercoat are as follows (pre shading):

1. Paint the entire model with a black , then paint the main colour

2. Only paint the highlighted areas/edges/panel lines with a black, then paint the main colour

3. Paint a coat of black, then a grey around the panel lines (leaving the panel lines black) and then painting the main colour

Which the best way and how will each finish differ?

I have also noticed that people paint areas they want highlighted white with a paint brush then paint the main colour, is this a good thing to do?

Thank you so much

[templar1099]

Try each method on some scrap or old kits and decide for yourself which is the effect YOU are looking for.

[BlackSheepTwoOneFour]

Try each method on some scrap or old kits and decide for yourself which is the effect YOU are looking for.

He’s right. This something YOU need to figure out and experiment for yourself in what you’re trying to achieve. There’s no right or wrong way to go about it. Do it and see which way works for you.

[mustang1989]

templar1099

Try each method on some scrap or old kits and decide for yourself which is the effect YOU are looking for.

He’s right. This something YOU need to figure out and experiment for yourself in what you’re trying to achieve. There’s no right or wrong way to go about it. Do it and see which way works for you.

I couldn’t have put that any better myself.

[DUSTER]

To add another verse: As you read on the internet, many people have their favorite method. They are all correct. There are no incorrect methods. That’s why the above answers are the truth.

So go ahead and try any or all of the choices you mentioned and see which looks good to you. OR invent your own technique and let the world follow you lead. All things are possible in modeling.

Years ago nobody did ANY pre/post shading and yet there were acclaimed, award winning models in shows. So enjoy your experience and show us how you’re doing so we can benefit from you.

[Don_Stauffer]

To add another verse: As you read on the internet, many people have their favorite method. They are all correct. There are no incorrect methods. That’s why the above answers are the truth.

So go ahead and try any or all of the choices you mentioned and see which looks good to you. OR invent your own technique and let the world follow you lead. All things are possible in modeling.

Years ago nobody did ANY pre/post shading and yet there were acclaimed, award winning models in shows. So enjoy your experience and show us how you’re doing so we can benefit from you.

The only caution I would add to the above post is because of the fact that there are incompatibility issues between some combinations of paint types. If you are thinking of trying a new combination/order of paint types, it may be a good idea to test the process on scrap, rather than a good model you are working on.

[modelmaker66]

i think your choice #2 that you offrer is the best one.

I think some here are telling you to practice to find the best way because you are asking the forum members to give definitave answers to wide ranging and “preferance” type questions. They are certainly welcome, but they are so general and each model maker has his own opinion it is hard to answer you appropriately. Most here are happy to help, but the best way to learn is build and finish some kits. Then you will know what your real needs are to ask on. We all have learned by doing it and that has certainly been good teaching.

also search the archives on a topic before posting a new one. It very well may have been answered in the recent past already.