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

Paint Types

Model paints are generally of 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 faster, and clean up easier. Never mix enamel with acrylic, and double check that you use the right type of thinner.

Brush

The paintbrush is the quickest technique of coating your model in paint. You will need a big flat paint brush for large area application, a medium diameter round brush for normal use, and a fine-point brush for the smallest detaillingl. The main points to getting a smooth paint job are:

-Use a clean brush.
-Don't overlap brush strokes. Don't apply ontop of an area with moist paint. If 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 minimize the number of strokes.
-Keep solid paint flakes out of your paint containier. Use a straw or throw away dropper when transferring paint.
-For acrylic paints, try adding a small amount of paint thinner, or acrylic paint retarder.
-Practice on scrap paper before painting your model plane.
-Once fnished using a brush, clean up straight away with the recommended thinner.

Spray Can

The spray paint can is also widely used for model kits. The spray tin:
-Delivers a smoother paint job with no brush dents.
-Is faster than regular painting.
-Requires less cleaning.
-However, cans of paint give a wider area spray and so are somewhat wasteful and more costly. Also, there is a minimal selection of colors available, and it is not possible to create your own colors small scale models. When used with a compressor as the power source, it acts as a very big spray can, while also allowing control of the pressure and the amount of paint. The airbrush can be used to create fine lines of paint and a heap of other useful details. Some basic tips:

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

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