Hi guys, first post here!
I was just looking around in awe of some of the stuff that’s being built out there and its inspired me to try and make some of my builds a little more realistic looking.
I’m aware of several techniques for spraying panel lines with airbrushes etc , however, I was wondering if anyone had any painting tips for someone who doesn’t own an airbrush?
Welcome to the forums!!! [snWcm] You could try spray cans, but it will require lots of masking in order to get a proper spray patter (Spray cans have wide patterns, Airbrushes have narrower ones.) For brush-painting, I’d recommend getting a larger brush, thin the paint with the brand’s thinner, and brush in long, even strokes that slightly overlap each other. if mistakes are made, let the paint dry, and touch it up. Anything specific, just ask!
You can get an airbrush for $10 at Harbor Freight and a can of propellant for about the same.
Propellant is a BIG mistake. It’ll cost you a LOT more than a compressor in the long run. Now, if you airbrush like, twice a year, different story. But still… not a wise move.
It is possible to get a nice paint job with a brush, but it takes lots of practice just like an airbrush does.
Many people prefer enamels due to their longer drying time.
Personally I like acrylics, and these comments specifically relate to my experience using them. It seems counter intuitive but more paint is good, it helps it flow better. The excess is directed off the end of the piece. Thinning is a thing you have to get a feel for, properly done it helps, but can also create problems. Go after deep lines first, then paint in the long direction (usually). Until you get really comfortable painting with a brush avoid Tamiya and Gunze like the plague, they dry very fast and second coats tend to lift the dry coats below.
Future floor wax is your friend when painting with a brush, it can be mixed with acrylics, and as a clear coat it does a good job of hiding minor brush strokes.
When it comes to large surfaces or cars (which need a very smooth finish) I prefer a spray can, which take a third skill.
mr_edd,
Try a flat black enamel wash for panel line per shading before you apply paint. It will disappear if coats above it are thick. Use spray cans in very light gradual build up of paint. You can always spray more but taking it off is a different story.
Many use washes to accent panel lines after the base coats are on. A brushed of coat of Future will give the aircraft a gloss finish to apply washes to the panel lines. Some use poster (Tempura) paint thinned & a drop of dish soap to break down the adhesion & surface tension. Any mistakes can be wiped off with a damp cloth.
Best to just go for it on a practice kit or two. Everyone has a favorite technique or sequence of steps to achieve their satisfactory results. Experiment and find out what works best for you!
It is possible to survive modelling with justt paint brush. I been chunking out model for years without airbrush. The only spray i am using is the gunze flat finishing spray can.
As what many say, a good set of paint brush is important.
1- A decent set of paint brush with fine,medium and large broad brush will probably cost only $20 bucks with abt 5-7 different brushes.
2- Choosing yr paint and thinning it are important too. Acrylic is a good choice. I suggest going for Gunze acrylic if you able to get it. Thin yr paint properly. For me, even initial using of the paint has to be thin. Try to thin it until it almost behaves like water but make sure its not same as water .
Another suggestion for me is to choose light grey color for yr initial practice color. Its a general color for aircraft and warship . So I believe you shall not have problem selecting yr topic. Why light grey? Cos it can achieve even color easily and mask off lots of bad brushing technic. With just 1-2 layer, you can achieve uniform color easily.
Yr brushing technic is very important. Before you brush, clean the surface then try to brush in one direction. The initial layer is usually fill with non uniform color which means all yr surface is not properly cover by the paint. This is normal but you must make sure the painted surface is even and not like a thick layer of paint on some parts but not others. They must be even. After 1st layer of paint brush. Let it dry a while before you apply the second or third until yr whole model achieve the same color. Sometimes, white color need up to 4 layers of brush painting to achieve uniform color.
As for panel line shading, for paint brushing, I usually use post shade which means after all painting completes then I will do the shading. You need some medium to help you achieve that. Some carbon black powder is very handy. Apply on a medium size point brush and slowly stroke on the panel lines after a wash to achieve shading effect.
I’m a rattle-can guy m’self f we’re talking one & two (sometimes three) color camo schemes… There isn’t THAT much masking… I do the three-tone US Navy schemes with rattle cans all the time…
well, you have to mask the rest of the plane (or at least cover it) to avoid over-spray. That’s what I meant. Airbrushes can get away with less masking.