Painting layers.

Good question.

To be honest, I don't know.

But, I suspect the answer is: "As many layers as needed to achieve what you want to achieve".

I recently completed an F-4 in splinter camo which required 4 different colours (layered), which was preceded by primer, then followed by clear coat, (decals) clear coat, wash, matte coat.  So, in some parts, up to 8 layers.

Using an airbrush, I still managed to retain the details of the kit.

I think the key is to get nice thin layers down - for which i think an airbrush helps tremendously.

If you were to brush paint, the number of layers you can lay without losing kit details might be reduced.

In terms of the right sequence/materials, mine is as follows:

Primer (actual primer or just coloured paint), scheme colours, gloss, decals, gloss, wash, matte.

I normally use acrylics for everything except the wash for which i use enamels or artists oils.

Hope this helps.

Chris.

Thanks Chris.   I am using the airbrush.  So trying to learn all at the same time is tough!  Thanks for your help,  it does help to put the pieces together -so to say hay what-.

I use a minimum of two coats of color, probably never more than five, unless I run into problems and have to sand off bad coats.  Now, on a larger model, I may put down both coats at one sitting, especially with fast drying flats.  By the time I get one coat on the whole model I can go back and put the second coat down on parts I sprayed first.  I go for coverage and smoothness on first coat, correct color on second.  Gloss finishes may require more.

No dramas BBat.

Look forward to seeing some of your builds in the future

Chris.

Dear Chris;

First I did my time in the Navy and aboard the proud Aircraft Carrier CVA-19 USS Hancock, ships company (Evap gang).  Then 22yr's on the Columbus Fire Dept.  I'm 64 and have many physical problems including and aliment that is much like palsy.  So if you want a good laugh I'll attempt to put put some pics.   I'm learning to live with one eye from an operation that went way wrong.   Thus my A-4, F-8, and bi-plains looks as if they been hedge hopping (much less being weathered) big ole billy bongs.

       A friend of ours who lives in the south-east of Australia and on face-book with my wife (Betty).  Lost their 2 yr old to playing with matches.  Sorry to all and may God Bless

        A lot has changed in modeling  since the 50's and 60's (and a lot more expensive, when an AMT model car cost $3.50!) Back then my most advance model was a chopped and channeled '32 Ford.  Perfectionism seems to be the word of the times now.   In all  your experience.  What is the most problems with the use of layers and effects.  

God Bless.   Buddy B,  Panama City Beach Florida.   

 I've tried the silly putty.  My 1st time and still getting use to to the airbrushes to boot.  I've a P-51 waiting and I'll use the other Tacky putties on it.

Here is the Spitfire with a lot of sanding and touch-up to go.

[View:/themes/fsm/utility/:550:0]

I use just enough to cover, any more and you risk losing fine detail.

BBAT222

 I've tried the silly putty.  My 1st time and still getting use to to the airbrushes to boot.  I've a P-51 waiting and I'll use the other Tacky putties on it.

Here is the Spitfire with a lot of sanding and touch-up to go.

[View:/themes/fsm/utility/:550:0]

 

Not bad at all for being so long since you painted. Keep practicing my friend as we all need to. I haven't airbrushed in many months. I wonder if I still can?