How to mount model for painting

In the past, I've always made creative mounts/hangers. Frankly, it depends on the models design.

Most of the time, I end up doing something like this:

Some kits allow for convenient hanging points. With some thin wire I can usually find a loop or hole to string it up for hanging. In addition, I use a piece of sprue carefully shaved and lightly stuck into an empty landing gear hole or empty propeller hole for stabilization with the free hand.

White glue works to temporally hold mounting sticks in various holes of an un-finished model. A little water and the glue softens up and cleans up nice.

It's ugly, but it works, most of the time.

Any other ideas out there?

For jets you can usually wrap some tape around a wooden dowel and insert it into the exhaust opening in the fuselage since the engine burner cans can go in last. If it is a sigle color you can paint it and then hold the dowel in a vice or something while it dries.

Mike

Since the bottom has been a different color than the top on every plane I've made (2) I've just painted one side and set it on the other to dry. As long as I paid special attention to the boundary, I've had no problems at all doing it that way.

Thanks to all! Vinman and MikeV, those are good ideas and I can visualize how that would work. I have both prop jobs and jets, so I appreciate the multiple suggestions.

Maddafinga, most of my models are also "two-toned" because I specialize in tailhook aircraft, but I would like to prime them first (I've heard that's a good idea). with a single color.

QUOTE: Originally posted by demondoctor Maddafinga, most of my models are also "two-toned" because I specialize in tailhook aircraft, but I would like to prime them first (I've heard that's a good idea). with a single color.

Priming = Very Good Idea

I just recently screwed up a Future application and tried to wash it off. No primer and Tamiya acrylic base coat…there went my paint job, down the sink!

..almost done repainting. Live and learn.