blending paint

blending paint...imo is an art form, one that I have not mastered yet.  I build armor, so it's a little different.  If you look at most camo schemes, the edges are distinct and in fact pretty hard edged.  If you are looking to blend them try using a filter wash, do you know how to do a filter wash?

I freehand all of my camo. But occasionally I will use a template, the trick to getting the realistic blend between the colors is to hold the template slightly off the model. This can be done by taping short spacers (I like pennies using pennies or you can use toothpicks laid on their side) on the back of the template to keep the template from resting directly on the surface being painted. Having the template slightly above the model allows for some 'bleed over' but not much.

Each country did their own pattern, some used hard demarcation line between colors, other had a blend of overlapping overspray. Field applied camo usually was somewhat sloppy given the tools and conditions they were applied with/in.

If you freehand, you need to make sure that you always are tilting and spraying away from the demarcation between the colors to keep overspray to a minimum. Establish the colors edges then work towards the center of each color in the pattern It is challenging but with practice it can be mastered.  Hope this helps.

Low psi and thin paint will give you a soft edge for camo/multicolor schemes. It also depends on the a/c as to how the camo was done. Some had hard lines and some had soft, blended lines. I usually just check some reference for each build.

Andy

I am certainly no expert,but I used low psi 10-12,fine tip on my badger 150, and a filter.was pleased with results

 Iyaayas  No could you explain what a filter wash is. I'm always looking to improve my skills thanks   J.J  

follow the link to a great "how-to"

 

http://www.missing-lynx.com/rare_world/rw02.htm

 

For sharp edges you can mask (tape) the aircraft leaving exposed only the area you want colored. Retape for the second color etc... I like Tamiyas tape. I have also cut patterns out of index cards and taped the card down and sprayed.

For a semi sharp edge you can mask using silly putty. Strange as it seams silly putty will have a rounded edge that allows the semi sharp edge when you paint and it dosen't stick to the kit.

For a soft edge use low air pressure and a low paint setting on your airbrush. "Draw" your edge as you paint an outline of your pattern. Then go back and fill in your outline with a little higher paint setting.

I start with my lightest color first and finish with my darkest color last.