Panel Lines

Thanks for all the suggestions!

I'm going give all of them a try!

I just use a .3mm mechanical pencil. I continually sharpen it with sandpaper, and just draw the panel lines in. It takes a light touch, but I've always been pleased with the results. After an overall wash or filter, weathering, and a topcoat, they look great!

You can go to: www.aerohistorians.org and go to the "features" site. There is two articles on panel lines by both myself and Tom Norrbohm, whose work has been in past issues of FSM. Also you can see our work in the "On the Table " part of the website.

I personally prefer a wash that consists of chalk pastels (colour depends on what "colour" of dirt you want) water, and a dash of dishsoap to break up the surface tension. Mix it up until you get a thin, runny "sludge." Then using an old paintbrush. paint over the panel lines. The sludge will be drawn into the panel lines by capillary action. Then simply take a damp J-Cloth or something similar and wipe off the excess. The great thing about it is, if you do not like the results, you can easily wipe it off and do it again. Make sure that you wipe the excess off as lightly as possible IN THE DIRECTION OF THE PANEL LINES as too much pressure will take out all of the wash. Then, when you are happy with the results, simply seal it with your clear coat of choice.
Happy Modeling!

Whaz up Builder1977,
This is how I bring out the lines. If the a/c's panel lines are engraved, I use the "smudge wash " method. This is when you take water base paint (your choice of colour tone) and dilute it with distilled water. When you distill the wash, its up to you on the percentage of mix you want(or flow). I'll let the wash sit for about a minute then go over it w/ a Q-tip. I keep repeating the steps till I'm satisfied
As for raised lines I kinda do what toadwbg said. But I have another method using an over all black base coat(whole a/c) for raised lines. Hope this helps. Flaps up,Mike

That depends if your talking recessed or raised.

For raised lines, I will use a regular old pencil-just rub the lead over them and maybe give them a little smear. I will also re-draw them with the pencil where they have been sanded off. I will also use pastels brushed over them.

Recessed lines I usually apply a wash and/or use a in pen right inside of the line.

Two issues ago of FSM also has a couple of excellent articles on weathering.