How to Airbrush & Finish Scale Models
Getting the look you want for a scale model takes time and patience. Creating a basic paint job can take hours, with the need to apply multiple layers of paint to get the right look on each part of your model. Using an airbrush can cut the time necessary for painting a model significantly. You'll place each layer cleanly, quickly covering large sections of your model. After painting the model you'll still need to apply a finish, which can take nearly as long as the paint job does. Once completed, however, you'll have created a scale model fit for display.
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Things You'll Need
- Dishwashing soap
- Lint-free cloth
- Paints
- Paint thinner
- Masking tape
- Airbrush
- 600-grit sandpaper
- Tack cloth
- Clear coat spray
- Decals
Instructions
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Prepare the model by washing it with a mixture of warm water and dishwashing liquid. Rinse and dry the model with a cloth before painting.
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Use compatible paints to apply to your specific model material type. Some paints are better used with resin while others are better applied to polystyrene models. Thin the paint until the consistency is that of skim milk. Use paint thinner with enamel paints and water to thin acrylic paints.
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Place automotive masking tape onto your model, framing the paint area.
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Fill the paint reservoir in your airbrush with a black or brown paint and paint a primer layer onto your model to create a texture for your final model colors. Turn on the air compressor and hold the airbrush 6 inches above the masking tape, pointed straight down toward the model. Turn on the airbrush and apply a layer of paint covering the masked-off painting area. Start your airbrush over the masking tape and don't stop until you're over the masking tape on the other side of the area. Use several even passes over the painting area until the surface is covered with the paint. Allow the coat of paint to dry for two hours, and then switch to your final paint color. Use the same process to apply the final color. Apply multiple coats if the primer peeks through the surface of the paint, until the coat is as solid as you wish.
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Go over the surface of the paint lightly with 600-grit wet/dry sandpaper. The sandpaper will remove any imperfections in the painted surface and completely smooth the painted finish. Remove any residue of paint or dust by wiping the surface clear using a tack cloth (waxed cloth).
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Spray your scale model with a layer of clear coat spray to protect the painted surface. For a glossy finish use clear coat gloss, for a duller finish use clear coat matte spray. Allow the clear coat spray to dry overnight.
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Cut any decals necessary for your scale model from the decal sheets and place them in a small bowl of warm water until the water begins to turn slightly cloudy and the decal moves slightly on the paper backing. Place the paper onto the model and slowly slide the paper from the decal, placing the decal directly onto the surface of the model. Use a paper towel to lightly blot the water from the decal and the model surface and allow the decal to dry.
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Tips & Warnings
The airbrush can be moved to within 1 inch of the model's surface for the application of fine details.
Decals can be moved immediately after application while still damp if wrinkles developed while placing them.
After clear coating you can age the look of your scale model by applying a light wash, brushing the model with a mixture of 90 percent thinner to 10 percent paint. Clear coat the model again before applying the decals.
Any painting should always be done in a well ventilated space.
