Back in Black

You could do this:

I don't think it worked but here's the link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:American_Flag_F-117_Nighthawks.jpg

arnie

Starting the ProModeler F-117A Nighthawk.  The instructions say to use flat black as the overall color.  I imagine this color will be rather stark and uninteresting.  Given the attention the F-177 received from the ground crews, excessive weathering doesn't seem to be an option.  Any ideas on how to make this paint sceme more interesting?

Don't go with flat black.    One of my favorite out-of-the-bottle black paints is Grimy Black in the Floquil Model Railroad color line.    It is a very dark gray/charcoal color.  Yet it allows you to weather in some darker shadows & highlights to make the surface more interesting.

It doesn't look black to me, but dark gray.  Depending on your paint brand, mix some Tamiya (for example) flat black and medium gray to get a very dark gray.  Add more gray to highlight panel edges, and more (or all) black for the centers.  Each area will have shadows and gradients.

Chris

Tamiya NATO Black is a good for this, its really really dark gray and looks black.

I'm with Ed on the Grimy Black...great stuff. I've seen af F-117A built at some show where it was started in an overall black (use what you like), but random panels were masked off and sprayed different shades/colors of black. So, for example, you could paint the whole thing Grimy Black, then highlight various panels in Flat Black, Nato Black, Dk, GRay, etc.

It really spruced up a monotone scheme.

Hello,

 Might I suggest the "tank head" trick of color modulation? You can find hundreds of articles on the modeling forums ( MIG Productions Forums) . I will try to explain. You can use either of the above sugestions for color. 1st, shade in all crevases or recessed areas with a true dark black. 2nd use you base color to base cote your model ( be sure to use several light coats so that you do not obliterate the pre-shade, but rather cover it and allow it to create a natural looking shadow or recess. 3rd, very slightly lighten up your base color and highlight all of the high points and leading edges of panels etc.

 This will enable you to paint the aircraft all black ( very dark grey) and enable you to bring some variation and visual interest to a monotone vehicle/aircraft. I hope this has been helpful to you. Please let me know if I can help in any way.

Thanks all!  Great suggestions.