Paint For Your Model Fighterplane

In regards to the panel lines on aircraft; most modernover "dings", wear and tear on the paint, and other
aircraft have very tight joints between panels andflaws in the finish. From a navy mechanic's point of
the individual panels that make up the airframe areview, paint is applied to protect the airframe from
not actually visible. We expect that our models shouldcorrosion (and rightly so), so matching the color is not
show this "detail" which in fact does not exist. Whatthat important? Many times the paint is not mixed
many people think of, as "panel line is reallythoroughly, or does not match exactly for some
differences in the way that the paint fades the panelother reason, so the finish is kind of "spotty". A
lines that will show are those that are accessedfriend refers to this as "Corrosion control
often: gun bays, some avionics bays and fuelingcamouflage". It is best replicated with very subtle
access panels. That kind of stuff.differences in the shades of paint. Again, practice will
Airliners are very similar, except the panels will beperfect this on a model.
such things as lav access, potable water, andMany stains on the exterior of an aircraft are due to
external power. Things like that your best source ofhydraulic leaks and seepage, fuel spills and stuff like
information is to look at actual aircraft. That beingthat. Slats and flaps can have (and usually do have)
said, I have several methods:stains, though they usually "run" in the direction of
Paint the model in the final coat and apply a "wash"airflow away from the joint. Most modern military
of paint touched into a panel I want to highlight.(well, commercial too for that matter) have single
Capillary action will cause the paint to "run" down thepoint refueling. Usually under the wings! Air to air
panel line. The excess paint can then be removedrefueling can result in a fine mist that looks like a
from the surrounding area. Water based paint is gooddusting of clear gloss on the top surfaces.
for this as it can be cleaned off with water before itThe photo-etched parts that you asked about are
dries. Enamel or lacquer works too, but the excess isbest cut off on a flat surface using some sort of
harder to clean up. Oil based paint thinned withsharp knife blade (Exact, or something like that).
turpentine will also work, but that method is best ifWhen I have tried to use side cutters, I can't cut
you have a gloss finish to work with. To highlight theclose enough to the part and usually end up bending
panel line, but not over emphasis it, it is best to useit in the process. For corners use a straight edge or
only a slightly darker shade.some sort of form to bend the parts over.
(Requires and airbrush) Use a straight edge along theFortunately most photo-etched parts on airplanes
panel line (ruler, piece of card, etc.) and lightly spray arepresent flat parts, so bending them to fit is not
darker color at a very low angle from the straightreally an issue. To glue them to the model use some
edge. This can add a very subtle difference that issort of cyanoacrylate like Super Glue, or Crazy Glue.
convincing with enough practice.Make sure all the bonding areas are free of paint, or
Paint the darker color along the panel lines first, andthe glue will not stick.
then apply the topcoat a little at a time. I have doneI hope this is not too confusing; I have been
this with an airbrush; don't know if it will work with adistracted by two F-15s and a B-1 that are arriving
brushed-on finish.here for an air show. They seem intent on blowing
On many Navy aircraft, touch up paint is sprayedthe shingles off of my roof.