{"id":473,"date":"2019-09-30T08:00:39","date_gmt":"2019-09-30T06:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/?p=473"},"modified":"2021-09-24T09:21:53","modified_gmt":"2021-09-24T07:21:53","slug":"advice-and-tips-for-painting-flying-models","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/advice-and-tips-for-painting-flying-models\/","title":{"rendered":"Advice and tips for painting flying models"},"content":{"rendered":"

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions by model-makers who try to practice painting on their aircraft models!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Which paint should I choose to keep a miniature airplane lightweight?<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

When talking about flying models (not the static plastic models), or even real fighter jets or airliners, one central point is the total weight of the various layers of paints. Here are several parameters to consider:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Water-based or solvent-based paints? <\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

First of all, a paint is composed of evaporable material and solid matter (solid content\/kg of liquid product) which, after application, become microns thick (weight in g\/m\u00b2)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Water-based paints have a higher solids content compared to solvent-based paints. Therefore, it\u2019s better to choose solvent-based paints, which form a thinner and lighter final layer, for the same coverage rate.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Here is an example of solvent-based paints for modeling with the Graphic range.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The paint system:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Consider using versatile and efficient products to limit the number of paint steps and passes (primers, paints, topcoats): some products are two-in-one, or even three-in-one systems, as they provide adhesion, and can be used as paint and protective finish.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The thickness:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The wet thickness (from 50 to 150\u03bcm) is distinguished from the dry thickness (generally from 10 to 50\u03bcm). Apply as little paint as possible. To obtain a thin and well stretched coat, increase the thinning.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"airbrush<\/p>\n

For multi layer decoration with masking and colours:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Reduce the thickness to a minimum. Dry paint areas can be sanded gently with water to reduce “stairs\u201d effect.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

When painting on masked areas, it is recommended not to “load” paint on the edges around the adhesives.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Material and paint compatibility<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Models made from wood, composites, polystyrene-type foam or other materials such as EPP or EPO are more resistant to solvents. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

In case of doubt, there are two solutions:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n