Just was wondering about this earlier today. I’ve been on the forum for a little over a year and have picked up more here than all of my years of reading books, watching videos and just talking to other people in person. Out of the many ideas/ techniques I have picked up I decided to narrow it down to just three.
Me? Mine are 1) using “Silly Putty” as a mask. Never thought about this one much. Just always assumed tape was the only way. Turns out this stuff works out great for masking for camoflage patterns. For a sharp demarkation line lay it down flat and for a soft one just roll it and lay it down between the color borders.
I never used to apply washes. Nothing like displaying a crisp clean military model. It just looked wrong to me especially when I looked at everybody elses builds whos looked “worn in” and used as most military vehicles and aircraft do. It’s one of my most favorite learned techniques.
Then finally I have gotten ALOT better with my airbrush. In listening / reading on the forums I have since bought an air compressor and pressure regulator/ moisture trap. There’s certain critical details learned throughout trial and error such as type of thinners that can be used and correct air pressures for different types of application but reading here has definitely helped me out alot.
So now I turn the floor over to anyone who wants to share their “Top 3”. I look forward to seeing what yours are, Joe
Hey Mustang, what a great thread! I just added in another thread a big thank you to everyone on the forums for being so willing to help and pass on such awesome tricks and tips! Thank you everyone!
I think you hit the top three for me too! I just used Silly Putty today for the first time! I need a little more time with it, but I am hooked on it! ABing…no doubt that was the biggest addition for me. As for washes, well, I’m definitely still learning, but a great detailing step!
Thanks Eagle. The washes really helped my builds out alot! It just adds a whole new spin on the paint finish. Then theres the trick of using only enamel based washes on acrylic paint and water based washes (with just a little dishwashing soap mixed with it to break the surface tension of the water) on enamel finishes.
weathering in general. Before, I would just do some dry brushing and chalk pastels. Since getting back into the hobby and coming here full time, I have picked up a wide range of techniques. Washes’, filtering and a range of other methods.
Better use of my airbrush, Especially tackling mottling on German aircraft.
Well, I am far from an expert on this. I am using washes all the time, but filters are something I need to practice more on. But as I understand it, they are to bring more depth to the paint scheme. I know a lot of armour guys use them, but I can’t say I have seen it used on aircraft. This is one area I need to learn more about myself.
Reference material is half of the fun of building for me. I learn alot about not only what I’m building but also the men and units behind the machines. Aftermarket parts are awesome. Been working with them for a while. I cant really imagine building a kit without them. Future…haven’t used that one yet. One day I’ll give it a try though.
i use mek/plastiweld more than normal cement now. its good for wings and feselage seams as it “melts” the plastic producing a smooth (when sanded) strong gapless join that usually needs no filler.best ask in techniques or tool forum sections if yiu want to know more
That does make sense. MEK is some raunchy stuff! I know it melts brain cells. I was using that stuff in a “hellhole” (cargo hook/ lower transmission acess hole) in a Huey when I was around 20 and didn’t realize that overexposure of that stuff would do some damage. I literally had to be pulled from underneath the helicopter…in short…lesson learned!
