After gluing, screwing and assembling your model plane, the next important process is painting your airplane, so that it looks as realistic as a real one.
You will first have to prepare your entire plane ready for painting. This means removing all the visible joints, excess glue lines and drops, seams, etc. You will need rough and fine sanding paper and model putty. Fill up all large gaps with model putty or glue and once it dries, start sanding them with the rough paper, followed by the smooth one to give a smooth finish. You can also get plastic melting glue to glue your joints.
Once you apply the glue to both the surfaces and press it together, it melts the plastic and glues them together. You can then remove the excess glue with a knife and sand it down. In case your fuselage is bumpy, then you might have to use putty, to give it an even and smooth finish. After the gluing and sanding is completed, your plane is now ready for painting. You will need to give your model plane a 3D type finish, so that it looks real.
First apply a coat of primer to your plane. You can now apply acrylic paint, which is water based and also dries quickly. This is a good paint for children to use. You could also use enamel paint, which will have to be mixed with thinners, to make it thin before applying it. You can either use a fine paintbrush to paint your plane or use an airbrush, which basically is a miniature-spraying gun. You will have to apply more coats, in case you add more thinner to your paint. If you are using an airbrush, then test spray it first on a piece of paper or cardboard. Keep your airbrush parallel to your surface, and constantly move your hand. If you are too close to the surface, you could have excess paint in one area and that could give a 'runny' finish. Apply a slightly darker shade of paint at the corners, to give the effect of shadows.
Do not forget to keep on stirring that paint, for an even finish. Dry brushing provides depth and gives 'life' to your paint job. You can take your paintbrush and after dipping it in your paint can, remove almost all the paint off it. Use the remaining paint and lightly brush on the surface of your cockpit glass, instrument panels or the sidewalls, so that they get highlighted. Do not use too much paint during dry brushing or you might not attain that effect. You might have to learn all the finishing jobs by trial and error, to get that right look. The Internet too has many sites giving a step-by-step account on how to dry brush your plane. Try them out.
So, these above techniques should give you some tips, so as to make your plane look as real as possible. Use them, so that you do not paint yourself into a tight spot. |
