painting luftwaffe camo with a spray gun that wont do lines

No. paper stencils are the better way.

Just remember the softness of the edge of the camo is dependent upon the distance that the mask is away from the surface. Therefore the closer the mask the sharper the line, and vice versa. Also always spray perpendicular to the mask to prevent under spray leading to an overly soft edge.

The camo in these pictures was partly done using the card masking technique, just to show it can work, mainly the patterns on the engines and wing edges.

http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v351/KT200/000_0093.jpg

http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v351/KT200/000_0089.jpg

http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v351/KT200/000_0088.jpg

http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v351/KT200/000_0091.jpg

It takes a bit of preparation, but it does work.

Hope this helps.

Karl

Karl that thing is a BEOMOTH! how big is it ? about the paper stencils, how should i hold them in place/attach them to the model ?

if you're doing Luftwaffe camo I wouldn't attach the mask to the model, then you will end up with very sharp edges with no fade... I would hold the mask with your hand about 1/4 to 1/2 inch away from the subject, maybe even more depending on the scale and camo desired. Practice on a junk model or even poster board or something till you feel you have the distance to the subject about right for how 'fuzzy' you want your camo to be.

Also it will help you get the technique down as far as holding the brush at the right angle etc.. you can do some pretty neat stuff with masks that will surprise you as to what that spray gun can do! It'll look more like you did it with an airbrush...

so i should have the model on the table (in my case floor) one hand on the brush, and the other hand holding the stencil. boy will i need some practice! it it ok to shoot poster pain thru the brush to just practice? thinned down to the right consistency of course....... hobby acrylics arent cheap.......

Reggie, i use Blu Tack under the mask, rolling it into sausages of equal size and positioning it away from the edges to avoid any harsh edges. I found this both easier, and more importantly more consistant than holding the mask while spraying. but then it is all a question of what works for you.

The main thing thing is to practise and find what works for you.

The aircraft in the pictures is Revell's Ar 555 in 1/72, and the base is 30 cm square, which gives you some idea of the actual size of the model.

Karl

actually I hadn't thought of that but that blue tak is a good idea... that way you can get the mask to conform to the contour of what you are painting too... (I've only done flat to slightly curved surfaces with a mask like that)

yeah regular acrylic (the 88 cent a bottle stuff) should be fine, or something near the consistency of what you will be shooting... Once you do it I dont think it will be too hard... it's just trying to visualize it that makes it look difficult probably

good luck!!!!