| Once the basic structure of your model airplane is | | | | Spray Can |
| completed, it's time to think about painting. | | | | |
| | | | The spray paint can is also commonly used for model |
| | | | kits. The spray can: |
| Types of Paint | | | | |
| | | | Delivers a smoother paint job with no brush marks. |
| Model paints are generally of two types: (oil-based) | | | | Is faster than brushing. |
| enamels, or aqueous (water-based) acrylic lacquers. | | | | Requires less cleanup. |
| The hobby enamels thin with mineral spirits, dry slowly | | | | |
| and harden to a high-gloss finish. The hobby acrylics | | | | However, paint cans deliver a wide area spray and |
| thin with water or alcohol, dry faster, and clean up | | | | so are somewhat wasteful and more expensive. Also, |
| easier. Never mix enamel with acrylic, and make sure | | | | there is a limited range of colors available, and it's not |
| that you use the correct type of thinner. | | | | possible to custom-mix colors. For multiple colors on a |
| | | | model, masking must be done to limit over-spray. The |
| | | | cans will cool down as they are used, which reduces |
| Brush | | | | the paint flow. Place the can in warm water for a few |
| | | | minutes to fix this. |
| The paintbrush is the simplest method of applying | | | | |
| paint. You'll need a broad flat brush for large area | | | | |
| coverage, a medium diameter round brush for general | | | | Despite their drawbacks, spray cans can be very |
| use, and a fine-point brush for the smallest detail. | | | | handy, e.g. for single colors such as model car bodies. |
| The keys to getting a smooth paint job are: | | | | Testors spray enamels and Tamiya spray lacquers |
| | | | are popular choices. |
| Use a clean brush. | | | | |
| Do not overlap brush strokes. Don't paint over an | | | | |
| area with wet paint. If needed, let the paint dry, then | | | | Airbrush |
| apply a second coat. | | | | |
| Use a brush with soft bristles, sable is best. | | | | The airbrush is the most versatile tool for painting |
| For a wide area, use a wide brush to minimize the | | | | small scale models. When used with a compressor as |
| number of strokes. | | | | the air source, it behaves as a very large spray can, |
| Keep dried paint particles out of your paint bottle. Use | | | | while also allowing control of the pressure and of the |
| a straw or disposable dropper when transferring paint. | | | | amount of paint. The airbrush can be used to used to |
| For acrylic paints, try adding a small amount of thinner, | | | | create fine lines of paint and many other useful |
| or acrylic paint retarder. | | | | effects. |
| Practice on scrap plastic before painting your model | | | | Some basic tips: |
| kit. | | | | |
| | | | A single action airbrush is simpler, easier to learn, and |
| After using the brush, clean up immediately with the | | | | generally lower cost. However, the double action gives |
| recommended thinner. | | | | you more control over the paint job. |
| | | | A compressor will be cheaper in the long run than |
| | | | using cans of compressed air. |