How I Finish My Models

How I Finish My Models
I am going to assume that to start with that you have build your model up to the point you wish
to get started painting on it.
At this point I have built the fuselage of the aircraft, landing gear and weapons are still on the
sprue or being built separately. I have rubber cemented the landing gear doors on the model so I can
paint them the same color and shade of the rest of aircraft. The canopy has been masked and it to is
rubber cemented to the model. (the best masking for a cockpit is the canopy)
Step 1
Paint the model overall aluminum. (the paint is MM enamel) This highlights any mistakes and gives
me a base color if I decide to chip the model at a later date.
Step 2
After fixing any found flaws and touching up the paint job I spray the final color(s) on the model.
(Mask as needed if needed) (again I paint with MM enamels)
Step 3
Once satisfied with the paint job hit the model with a gloss coat (I use Testors gloss coat in a rattle can).
Flat paints have a texture to them and can make it more difficult to place the decals. With the gloss coat
you give the decals a good flat surface to lay down on. I used to use Future Floor Wax at this point but
discovered the hard way that the sludge wash I used will eat through the Future and make a mess of the
model requiring a good deal of time to remove and fix.
Step 4
Now I apply the decals. After the decals are down and have dried I apply a second coat of gloss coat.
This coat seals the decals to the model and creates a base for the sludge wash next.
Step 5
Apply the sludge wash. (See “Sludge Method” on my hints and tips page)
Step 7
Once the sludge has dried for about a day I can spray on a dull coat (again Testors rattle can for this as
well)
Step 8
Apply the pastel weathering. The dull coat gives the model a gritty surface that the pastels can grip to.
Once the Pastels are down spray with a can of Fixative to seal the pastels. the Fixative doesn't dissolve
the pastels the way dull coat does.
Step 8 (alternate or in addition to)
Apply spot filtering. Water based paints in my case since I fear the oils would ruin the finish to date. I
have discovered that you have to work quickly with water based paints.
Step 9
The Fixative when dry leave the model with a satin finish. I apply a last coat of Testors dull coat to
finish the model. Now I add the landing gear weapons and unmask the canopy.
Step 10
Take model to show and bring home awards ...
Hope this help you guys....