After a multi-year (okay maybe multi-decade) break from modelling, I have gotten back into it with a vengance. I’ve found my construction technique to be pretty good, PE skills doing well, super-detailing is getting there as well, however all things painting are a bust - to the point where I largely avoid it. At this point, I have several kits either completely built or in sub-assemblies just waiting for painting. As these models are fairly well done, I’ve elected to build a couple of cheap “blanks” to practice painting on.
Question is does anyone have any recommendations/sources on how to build skills in this arena (ie. airbrushing, painting strategies/painting order, brush painting techniques, micro-detail painting, etc.)?
Thanks in advance.
Kalmbach Publishing has published several good skill-building books from FSM. Click on the links here at this site under Community; Our products. In addition to these books, just check out back issues of FSM magazine, there are tons of skill-building how-to articles for airbrushing, brush-painting and techniques. Also this Forum, just ask away and we’ll share our techniques![:D] Check out the following books:
Coming in the May issue of FSM:
Get quality hand-painted finishes
By Matthew Usher
If you’re new to modeling or just want to improve your technique, these pointers will sharpen your brush-painting skills.
Ask and thow shall receive my friend!
Book learning is good as far as it goes, but here you need the Carnegie Hall approach. Practice, practice, practice. Get a cheap hulk of a model and practice on that. Is there a club in your area? Visit them and ask for specific pointers. I’ve met more than a few builders who fear painting. My best modeling friend keeps striping and repainting his figures because he’s never happy with the finish.
how can a get the planes to show the out lines and rivets on the aircraft.
First get a good quailty airbrush. I like the Iwata Eclipse-easy to clean and maintain and lays down properly thinned paint beautifully. I use 10-15 psi with this airbrush and the finishes are outstanding. As others have said, practice is the key, but having good tools is a must.