My favorite technique for bringing out the detail on an instrument panel is dry brushing. I usually build WWII aircraft so I begin with painting the panel black. (most WWII IP's were black).
Then dip a brush into some white or very light grey and, holding it perpendicular to a rag or paper towel, whisk or wipe off most of the paint. You should still have a very small amount of paint left on the bristles.
Now, hold the brush perpendicular to the surface to be detailed and lightly swing the the brush back and forth over these areas. This will start to bring out some detail and you can continue and build it up until it looks good to you.
From this you'll have a good base to pick out specific details with a fine brush, if desired. When you're satisfied, put some gloss clear in each dial. I prefer to use Future Floor Polish, but any gloss clear will do.
Remember this; use GOOD brushes. They make all the difference in the world. Also, the three P's. Patience, practice and perseverance.
Okay, I made that three P's thing up! LOL But it's true, nevertheless. You must be patient, 'cuz this may not work for you right away. Practice as much as you can. If you've only recently started modeling, you probably don't have a spare parts collection yet, but try and find something that you can practice on. And keep at it. The more you do it, the better you'll get.
For multi colored instrument panels; say, a grey panel with black instrument bezels, you'll have to have a steady hand to paint the black. But the rest is just as described above.
This is by no means the only way to do this type of thing. The technique described by upnorth works well also. I've used similar techniques in the past with good results, but I've settled on dry-brushing because, for me, it's the easiest (and most fun!) method. Try any and all techniques that come your way. That's the only way to find out what's best for you. My method may not work for you, upnorth's may. Or someone else's may be more suitable for you than either of these two. Just try 'em all out.
Other ways to learn more about modeling; do you have a local hobby shop? If so, they usually have some modeling books available. Check out modeling websites for tips, just like you did with this site.
Pick up a modeling magazine, there are many out there. FSM is probably the best all-round modeling magazine that there is, usually there's something for the beginner right up to the veteran builder in each issue. Alotta other rags cater exclusively to die-hard builders and assume that their readers know all the basics. FSM caters to all skill levels and provides a ton of tips for the novice.
If you do have a hobby shop, find out if there are any clubs in the area or if there are any upcoming model shows.
Clubs are a good way to meet other modelers and to learn about modeling in general. (Some folks may blast clubs. Like any society, each club probably has it's fair-share of trouble makers, snobs etc. Regardless, clubs are an invaluable resource to a modeler. I learned alot as a young modeler because of my club. I've also made alotta good friends.)
Model shows are another way to learn more about the hobby. This, as well as being a member of a club, allows you to see the work of others and ask folks how they do what they do. Nothing beats actually seeing a model with your own two eyes and talking with the guy who built it.
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