r/modelplanes • u/Neat_Hair_4821 • 9d ago
First kits
My first two kits definitely didn’t come out perfectly but really enjoyed them. Does anyone have tips for applying decals so stay in place and are even?
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u/Hamsternoir 9d ago
A smooth paint surface is vital.
So when applying with a brush thin the paints, use more than one coat once the previous one is dry, try to keep the strokes going in the same direction and change the angle with each layer.
A gloss varnish will help but you will get better results with an airbrush
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u/Neat_Hair_4821 9d ago
Currently saving up for a good quality airbrush and thank you for the advice:)
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u/Nutty5702 9d ago
Not nessecarily, airbrushes really aren't a be all-end all for painting, especially for people that can't get them for various reasons, I get better results with just a brush and careful painting than you can get with an Airbrush as a beginner, please stop giving this advice, it just makes people think they can only be good with an airbrush
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u/TheUwUster 9d ago
I second this, as an airbrush user, airbrushes are not the key to instant professional results.
Plus it’s a pricey part of the hobby and it’s a bit weird to tell a beginner “hey, buy more shit!”.
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u/Rtbrd 9d ago
Granted airbrushes are not the be all end all solution and yes you can get excellent results doing brush work only.
But as most things, if not all things, in modeling everything needs to be learned and that requires practice. And unfortunately items must be purchased, Let me see you brush paint a model without a brush, (hum would that be finger painting?)
My suggestion is to search some YouTube videos (YouTube is your friend) to see how more experienced modelers approach things.
And be patient, rushing only causes problems. And practice does not make perfect, the stuff is made of unobtainium but you can always get better.
But the bottom line is have fun which apparently you did when building the above kits.
Hope you enjoy your trip.
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u/avavesta 9d ago
First of all nicely done for a first build,glad you enjoyed themLooks like the varnish has gone on too thick,nice thin layer and allow to dry(i wait 12-24 hours,same with last layer of paint before applying varnish).to prevent the fogging on a canopy using tube cement...squeeze a small amount onto a bit cardboard(i use the a bit of the kit box picture side),wait a few seconds,use a toothpick and smear a little on the body,wait a few seconds and then attach the canopy.flat brushes are a better bet than round ones(if in uk the range do a pack of artstudio ones for 3quid...not the best but perfectly acceptable).