One of the most fulfilling tasks one could ever do when making a model is painting it. This stage puts together the model bringing in color and realism which is a lot of detail as compared to simply having the plastic parts. But, painting requires a lot of patience, planning and the right methods to do the job properly. Be it brushes or spray cans or even an airbrush, if you follow these steps, you are bound to have a professional finish.

1. Preparing the Model for Painting

Cleaning the Model

In case you have already washed your parts while preparing them, it is still recommended to do a final wash of the model before painting it. By cleaning the model, any dirt, stains and skin oils that may interfere with the paint stickiness gets eliminated.

How to Clean:

  • Using a delicate brush or a microfiber cloth, start by dusting the model.
  • Clean the model with warm water and a little bit of dish soap, and allow it dry completely.

Priming the Model

It is practically impossible to paint a surface without applying a primer as it helps add smooth texture all over the surface. Additionally, primer helps paint stick better and highlights any spots on the surface you deem in need of alteration before the final coat of paint.

Tips for Priming:

  • The ideal way to cover the surface evenly is to use a spray primer. When not working with darker shades, use a black primer whereas for these shades a gray or white color would be better.
  • Do not make use of thick layers as this would mean that the paint will drip or cover even the finest of details.
  • Do wait for the primer to dry completely before starting the next step though this can take a couple of minutes it is advisable to make sure by checking the manufacturers recommendations.

2. Choosing the Right Paint

The extensive variety of paints, both acrylic and enamel, have their benefits and drawbacks, and will certainly impact the overall appearance of your model.

Acrylic Paints:

  • Are water-based and can easily be cleaned up and are not toxic to people.
  • One of the major benefits is that they dry fast allowing you to be more efficient.
  • Have a variety of solutions that help with their application making them perfect for beginners.

Enamel Paints:

  • Warrant a shiny and tough finish while being oil-based which means they will dry slowly.
  • Cleaning them can be troublesome since they require solvent properties such as mineral spirits to work.
  • Shrugging off all the difficulty makes them ideal for people who are experienced with modelcasting due to its glossy finish.

Choosing the Right Paint for Military Models:

  • Should always be in accordance to the original design of the model as there is a multitude of additives available in the market made specifically for american world war 2 tanks, airplanes, and ships.
  • Obtain paint sets for particular historical periods or particular types of vehicles, e.g, WWII Allied tanks or German aircraft camouflage.
Vallejo set of Panzer Colors paints
Vallejo set of Panzer Colors paints

3. Methods of Applying Paint

Moving forward, we apply the necessary details and base coats, bearing in mind that the model is already primed and that paints have already been mixed. Different techniques can be used here depending on the tools available.

Applying Paint by Brush

This is the most widely used technique, more so for those who are working on small and detail-oriented models. With brushes, different techniques that assist in a smooth easy covering coat can be utilized.

Brushes set for plastic models painting
Brushes set for plastic models painting

Brush Painting Tips:

  • The larger area should be painted with a brush whereas intricate areas should be painted with a fine detail brush.
  • The paint should be layered in thin amounts, allowing for each layer to dry before the next one is added, as this prevents streaking and brush marks.
  • For better flow of paint, and less brush marks, add a small amount of thinner (for enamels) or water (for acrylics) to it.

Spray Painting (Using Cans)

Spray cans make the process of applying base coats quicker and easier, particularly when working on bigger models such as planes and ships.

Spray Painting Tips:

  • Before starting paint application, shake the paint can thoroughly.
  • The tip of the can should be held 6-12 inches away from the model and light, short spritzes should be used as opposed to a heavy continuous flow.
  • When designing, let the paint settle in between applications and administer one or two extra thin layers to prevent any drip pooling.

Airbrushing

Unlike everyone’s traditional way of painting, this is probably considered the most finest and the most professional way of painting. It’s possible to apply paints in fine gradation, smooth finishes, and even detailed camouflages.

Airbrushing Tips:

  • It is beneficial to test out all the airbrushes on dry surfaces first before applying them directly onto the model.
  • Keep this in mind while applying, work with thin layers of paint, and gradually increase the amount.
  • Make sure to clear clogs after every using the airbrush to ensure the same grade for every airbrush.

4. Detailing and Weathering

Detail Painting

  • Use of fine brushes is recommended when providing details on areas such as the engines, guns, and cockpit instruments.
  • Be slow and steady with your hand and use reference pictures to get the details a tad bit more precise.

Weathering Techniques

Weathering is a practice that makes the model look less brand new. For example, rusting, dirt and scratched paint can be placed to give the model a more realistic look.

Weathering of a scale model
Weathering of a scale model

As for the people who are wondering how a scale model gets weathered; there are a couple of ways:

  • Dry brushing: this is done by finely brushing surfaces that are raised resulting in details getting highlighted. It is useful for when edges are scratched
  • Washes: When you need to emphasize the surface detail of your model –panel lines, rivets and other details, you can employ the wash method. When highlighting these details, use thinned paint, known as a wash. A wash is applied using a fine brush, which you dip into the thinned paint and the apply to the areas around the details. After touching the model, let the paint flow freely into the recesses.
  • Chipping: To replicate the look of worn-edged paint use a fine brush and apply light dabs of rust or silver-colored paint at the edges of your model. This is where the technique works perfectly, especially for tanks and military vehicles.
  • Pigments and Pastels: Pigment powders or soft pastels are a fine option for detailing and making imitations such as dirt, dust or a rusty look. These imitations are done in most cases after the model is painted, so that the model looks more ineffective, easily giving off a damaged or rugged vibe.

5. Sealing and Finishing

Using a Clear Coat

  • In order to protect the model’s paint from damages such as chipping or fading you apply a clear gloss or matte. The type of finish to your model is determined by the clear coat that you choose.
  • Before applying the decals, it is advisable to use gloss so the decal sticks better and does not end up silvering.

When the clear coat is completely dry, check for the missing touch-ups done with either paint splashes or missed detailing that would need refining in some areas.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Painting Process

Out of all the steps involved in building a plastic model, painting stands out as the most artistic one. If you focus on preparing your model for painting, painting it properly, and adding details and weathering effects you will be able to create a professional looking model come to life! Enjoy and admire your brush painting or airbrushing as your model changes into a realistic rendition of a masterwork. Don’t rush the painting, it is half the fun.

Previous Article: Assembling the Model
Next Article: Applying Decals and Finishing Touches