I’ve got a 1:48 scale Spitfire (Revell), getting ready to assemble.
I don’t have an airbrush anymore, since it (along with everything else) was washed away in a flood some time back.
I have a few questions about Future. First, should I apply Future to the model before I do any painting or wait until I have at least a primer coat on it?
Second, as I have to apply it with a paintbrush, what size brush should I use and do you have any tips on brushing Future on as opposed to airbrushing?
Reading past issues of my Finescale magazine, I’ve seen where modellers have dipped unpainted canopies in a bowl of Future. How does this affect the masking of the frame before painting?
For the ultimate advice on Future, let me be the first to direct you to the resident expert, Swanny.
But, for now, I’ll see if I can help.
I think the best time to apply Future is actually after painting, and before decalling. That way you have a smooth, glossy coat for the decals to adhere to. Then you’d put down a clear flat coat to get rid of the unrealistic sheen.
As for brushing, I would recommend a large, soft brush. I’ve never done this, though, so this isn’t my area of expertise.
Dipping a canopy in Future doesn’t affect the masking procedure at all. Most modellers that I know of dip canopies as a regular first step, before they do anything else. Once again, if you need details, I direct you to Swanny. The website is www.swannysmodels.com. Look under “Tools and Tips”.
Kevin,
Future is most often used as a clear gloss top coat, so it really isn’t something I ever put on before I paint. The exception would be on canopies, where it is the first thing you do. I have to admit I haven’t dipped a canopy in Future yet, so I don’t know the affects. However, I doubt that there is much difference in the way you mask.
I have applied Future by hand, on a 1/48 Spitfire in fact, and didn’t have too much trouble. You just have to be sure not to lay it on very thick so there isn’t any pooling. If you apply it right, it will level itself fairly well. So don’t be too concerned if you see brush strokes at first, as long as they aren’t too thick.
I bought an airbrush at my LHS that I use specifically for Future for $15. It runs on propellant cans and does a pretty good job. I’ll look at the name when I get home.
Having a separate airbrush to use just for the future is a good idea. I have an old Badger airbrush that I’ve had since I was a teenager could use. What do you use to clean the brush afterwards? I’ve never been clear on this, as the US products often have different brand names over here in the UK. Any clues would be of use!
According to my bottle of Future, you can remove it with a solution of ammonia and water. I don’t know if that’d be good for your airbrush or not, though.
EDIT: AARG! I just sprayed a coat of primer on my Spitfire and just noticed on the bottom of one of the wings, “Revell Made in China”, in raised letters. They shouldn’t do stuff like that…