I want to try painting some markings on my aircraft models, but am having difficulty envisioning the method to use for masking numbers with an outline or concentric circles. For instance, how would I paint a German aircraft number in black with a white outline, or British roundels with concentric circles? If anyone has tried this and could shed some light on their techniques, I would greatly appreciate the help. TIA! [tup]
For example, doing the RAF roundels (dark blue/red):
1.After priming, lay down the red where it needs to be.
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Cover that red area with the the small circle MASK.
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Paint all the camo scheme colors or whatever it calls for. Keep in mind, the mask remains til the clear coat.
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After drying, place the large circle STENCIL evenly around the small circle mask. Paint the dark blue. The dark blue will sufficiently cover the camo colors of the scheme.
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Remove the stencil and the mask and WALA!
It’s the same principle for doing two tone numbers as well. You will use a mask and a stencil. You always want to start with the lighter colors first and work out to the darker colors. On the lighter colors, you will lay those down and mask them. You will use a stencil for the darker colors and AB the color on top of the scheme colors. Make sense? Once you do one, you will get the process. Hope this helps…
Andy
Thanks Andy! The roundel procedure makes sense. I am thinking about how to paint the four color (red, white, blue, yellow) roundels on the fuse sides of an early war Spitfire. Would you affter the camo put down a mask with the entire area open and paint it white, then mask it and paint yeoolw, and the same for the red and blue? Just trying to think about how to do all of the required masking w/o any overspray. That’s what makes this hobby so much fun! Learning new techniques and ideas. [tup]
I am still a little fuzzy on the numbers though. Not quite sure how to paint the white then paint the center black leaving a very thin even white stripe around the number. [sigh]
I was afraid you were talking about the 4 color roundels! I wouldn’t even begin to tackle that one myself. But I will respond shortly with the process.
As far as the 2 tone numbers (black and white):
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After priming, lay down white in the areas.
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After drying, place the mask over the white.
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Apply the entire scheme with the mask still in place
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Remove the mask and place the stencil (which will be a tad smaller than the mask). Apply the black and remove the stencil.
Do you have premade masks/stencils or are you making them yourself? If you want premade ones, I have a great source that will have or make what you want.
Andy
Andy-
LOL! Yep, those four color ones look to be a PITA. Think I may be on the right track with them, guess we’ll see when it’s time to lift the masks!
As for the numbers, I do not have any premade ones, but I really would like to know your source. I was contemplating making them myself, but trimming them to the exact dimensions required is proving difficult. [sigh]
Yo Frank… have you looked into Montex Masks? I have not used them but have seen fantastic results from others that have.
Marc- I’m not familiar with those, but I am going to check them out right now. Thanks for the idea! [tup]
Try this site it may help:
Excellent link, thanks for sharing it! [tup]
Go to www.gatorsmask.com and check out what he has. He will special order stuff too.
Andy
Thanks again Andy. I just took a look at his site, and am going to email him to see if he can help me. [tup]