I’ve recently undertaken a few of these and the instructions paint guide often will call for sky blue on the underside, but I’ve seen quite a few of these done plus many pictures and can’t ever say that I’ve seen a sky blue underside. They all seem a dull/flat white to me. Is that accurate?
Also, as a technique matter, since the underside is all one color, is it best to get spray paint for that?
Well, assuming you are talking about Spits or Hurricanes, you’ve stumbled on one of the more common paint color debates. The forum expert on this is Antoni but it’s my experience that the term “sky blue” in MM enamel is RAF Sky “Type S”, and it has almost a greenish tint to it and yes, most definitely spray it.
There has been much debate on the topic of RAF underside colours.
Here’s a couple of discussions which you may find interesting (or alternatively, may give you more headaches)
http://cs.finescale.com/fsm/modeling_subjects/f/2/t/151730.aspx?sort=ASC&pi240=1
Yup, what Phil said and linked. You will find every aircraft forum will have had at least one discussion thread on sky undersides during the summer of 1940.
As for white, I know the RAF coastal command authorized it’s use for undersides, and quite possibly aircraft on convoy duty in the Atlantic, at least those that were lend leased from the States. At the start of the war, fighters were give a half white (starboard side) and half black undersides. This was ended in early June 1940, with the above mentioned sky colour.
regards,
Jack
p.s. - almost forgot the spraying inquery - well many prefer airbrush or spray cans because there is no issue of brush marks. The thinner layer of paint also helps keep the finer details clear. The airbrush also lends better to certain weathering and finishing techniques.
As far as technique, I personally believe spraying is easier than a good brush coating. Painting by hand without leaving brush marks is a real art. A number of folks can do okay with flats. Hand brushing a good gloss finish without brush marks is an even harder art. Few can do it.
Thanks for posting those links. I figured this has been addressed before but on a quick search I didn’t find anything. And yes, this is in contemplation of painting a Spit
Don’t spray can. Use an airbrush if you have one.