Hello, I’m building the F-117 and ready to paint. What color primer should I use? Grey or black? For top coat I’m going to use NATO Black.
Thanks
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I like using light gray as a primer, especially since I build Huey models and the sound proofing, for what that was worth, is light gray.
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Here’s an article you might find interesting
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Gray primer and use gloss black. This way you can go right to decals.
Steve
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I’ve been researching the F-117 again for a build of my own. I actually built a 1/48 monogram (I think) kit about 30 years ago in a 24-hour maniac, pre-contest deadline, build and finished it at 10 in the morning, just in time to drive to the contest and get it entered.
At the time, because I was in such a hurry, I just painted the whole thing gloss black. It worked surprisingly well for getting the decals down quickly, and then I knocked the shine back with a flat clear coat at the end.
Looking at the F-117 again now, though, one thing that’s really stood out is how different the finish can look from photo to photo. I’d probably go with the gray primer and treat NATO Black as a starting point rather than an absolute match. Lighting, exposure, white balance, and surface sheen can shift the airplane from looking almost dead black to a pretty noticeable charcoal gray.
What I’ve been finding is that it helps to compare several photos and look more at the differences between panels and surfaces than to chase the exact color in any one shot.
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True and, this all has to do with the timeframe of his build. I kept mine fairly clean with just some light weathering. Early on the jets were well maintained, as time went by they started to show signs of wear. Your pics are well after retirement.
Steve
I used grey primer. Then some white. Finished with Tamiya NATO Black. The grey and white helped with the weathered, faded look.
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Yes, exactly. That’s actually what I’m planning for my build. I found decals to match the current configuration, and I’m going to base mine on these 2024 photographs of the F-117s in their current flying use out of Tonopah Test Range in Nevada.
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