How to Paint Model Airplanes
Painting is an important part of completing each model airplane project. The complexity and detail of each project will vary with the maker's needs. Detailed painting and special techniques will develop with experience. Painting model airplanes is not difficult. It only requires patience, practice, and experimentation. Painting techniques, materials, and tools offer the modeler enough variety to allow detailed, individualized completion of each model.
Things You'll Need
- Things needed to paint a model aircraft: • Paints • Brushes (small, medium, & large) • Airbrush • Spray paint • Paint thinner • Masking tape • Paper towels or rags • Newspapers • Fine sandpaper • Containers for paint, thinners, and brush storage.
Instructions
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Steps for Painting a Model Airplane
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1
Unpack the model and inventory the enclosed parts. Assure that all parts are present before starting painting and assembly.
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2
Wash all plastic parts in warm soapy water. Rinse with clear water. Allow parts to air dry.
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3
Protect work area with newspaper or other material. Assure adequate ventilation prior to beginning painting and assembly.
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4
Paint interior details that will be enclosed in the fuselage or wings. The cockpit, landing gear, and wheel wells should be painted first.
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5
Assemble the aircraft. You can eliminate gaps and blemishes with filler, but sand filler smooth for painting.
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6
Mask canopies, windows, and other areas that should not be painted.
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7
Prime the plane as recommended by the paint manufacturer.
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8
Paint the plane by applying multiple thin layers of paint using brushes, air brushes, or spray paint. Additional layers can be added when the paint is still tacky. Sand lightly between layers if the paint has dried.
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9
Apply a clear coat of varnish over the final colored layer and the decals when they have dried.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a clean soft brush for painting. Avoid overlapping brush strokes to prevent brush marks. Use wide brushes to paint large open areas. Follow manufacturer's recommendations for thinning paint if an airbrush will be used. Keep the tip of the airbrush parallel to the surface being painted. Start the flow of paint before the surface is reached and end the flow after the tip of the airbrush is beyond the plane. Use Johnson's Future floor wax as a gloss clear coat to polish canopies and glossy body parts.
Protect yourself from exposure to paint, thinner, and solvent vapors. They can be toxic and flammable. Assure plenty of ventilation in your painting area. Don't smoke or have ignition sources near your work area. Many paints and thinners are highly flammable. Test paints for compatibility before using different types or brands on your model. Latex, acrylics, oil, and lacquer finishes are not always compatible. Test on a scrap piece of plastic.
