How To Paint A Model Helicopter

By: Killermule

Once the basic structure of your model plane is completed, it's time to think about painting.

Types of Paint

Modelling paints are mainly two types: (oil-based) enamels, or aqueous (water-based) acrylic lacquers. The hobby enamels thin with mineral spirits, dry slowly and solidify to a high-gloss finish. The hobby acrylics thin with water or alcohol, dry quicker, and clean up easier. Never mix enamel with acrylic, and double check that you use the correct type of thinner.

Brush

The paintbrush is the quickest method of applying paint. You'll need a big flat paint brush for large area coverage, a medium diameter round brush for general use, and a thin-point brush for the smallest detail. The keys to getting a smooth paint job are:

-Use a washed brush.
-Don't overlap brush strokes. Don't apply ontop of an area with wet paint. If it is needed, let the paint dry, then apply a second coat.
-Use a paint brush with soft bristles, sable is best.
-For a wide area, use a wide brush to maximise the paint coverage.
-Keep solid paint particles out of your paint containier. Use a straw or throw away dropper when transferring paint.
-For acrylic paints, try adding a small amount of thinner, or acrylic paint retarder.
-Try the paint out on scrap wood before painting your model kit.
-After using the brush, clean up straight away with the recommended thinner.

Spray Can

The spray paint can is also commonly used for model kits. The spray tin:
-Gives a smoother paint job with no brush scratches.
-Is quicker than regular painting.
-Requires less cleanup.
-However, paint cans give a wide area spray and so are somewhat wasteful and more expensive. Also, there is a minimal selection of colors available, and it's not possible to custom-mix . 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 the paint flow. Place the can in warm water for a few minutes to fix this.

Despite their cons, spray cans can be very good, e.g. for single colors such as model boat bodies. Testors spray enamels and Tamiya spray lacquers are popular choices.

Airbrush

The airbrush is the most versatile tool for painting small scale models. When used in conjuction with an air compressor as the power source, it behaves as a very large spray can, while also allowing control of the pressure and the flow of paint. The airbrush can be used to create thin strips of paint and many other useful details. Some basic tips:

-A single action airbrush is easier to learn, and generally lower cost. However, the double action gives you more control over the paint job.
-A compressor is cheaper in the long run than using cans of compressed air.
-Use the tin maker’s recommended thinner. This will sustain the paints flowing smoothly without drying too quick.
-Follow the manual for cleaning, to keep the airbrush working like new.

Niche Article Directory: http://www.thatsmyniche.com

www.ModellingKits.com is your best source for the MOST up-to-date model sales and information. You can read any further additions to this article at modellingkits.com/How-to-Paint-a-Model-Aeroplane

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated