How to Build Model Airplanes & Paint Instrument Panels
- 1). Prepare the plastic kit parts for use in the model build. Wash the parts while still in the plastic framework, or sprue, using a mild liquid soap and warm water to remove any residual mold release agent from the factory molding process that can cause the paint not to adhere to the plastic properly. Rinse the soap away with cool water and then place the parts onto a towel to air dry.
- 2). Follow the manufacturer instructions to construct the model. Every model is different in the individual pieces used for construction but each build follows the same general patterns. Remove the pieces from the sprue carefully, cutting them away with the hobby knife. File down any molding lines on the model or any bits of sprue remaining.
- 3). Test the parts for proper fit prior to gluing, holding them together and examining the joint. File down any bulges between parts that keep them from joining cleanly. Leave any gaps between parts for later filling. Glue the parts together using the plastic cement. Apply the glue lightly to part seams using the tip of a toothpick and then hold the pieces together for 30 seconds to allow the cement to set. Wait 30 minutes for the glue to dry. Glue all major parts of the aircraft, leaving external parts such as weapons pods and the cockpit unconnected to the aircraft body.
- 4). Fill the gaps between joined parts with model putty. Place a small bead of putty in the gap and then wipe the surface of the model clear with a wet finger, leaving the putty level with the surrounding model parts. Give the putty 24 hours to dry completely before painting the model.
- 5). Paint the model with a primer coat of dark brown or black paint. Brush on a thin layer of the paint as primer, creating a smooth even surface to apply the finish paint coat. The dark colors also create shadows for recessed model parts once the final coat is applied. Wait 24 hours for the primer paint to dry completely.
- 6). Sand the primer paint with a fine grit wet/dry sandpaper to remove any imperfections left from the paint application process. Wipe the surface with a clean cloth to remove any sanding residue.
- 7). Paint the final model colors onto the airplane. Use masking tape to mask off border areas for large pained panels so that you have clean lines between colors. Paint in a single direction to prevent a crosshatching look to the model, applying the paint in thin even layers to build up to a solid coat of paint. Alternate brushes used, utilizing smaller brushes to cover detailed parts.
- 8). Paint the cockpit using a fine detail brush and colored paints. Use a dry brush technique to pull out the details of the instrument panel. Dip the brush into the paint and then wipe most of the paint from the brush using a paper towel, until the brush is barely damp with the paint. Apply the brush to the instrument panel details such as the dials and knobs with the dry brush, dusting the paint onto the detailed areas so that only the raised areas of the panel receive the paint covering.
- 9). Use a No. 2 lead pencil to highlight the edges of instrument boxes in the instrument panel, lightly rubbing over the edges with the pencil lead to create a metallic sheen highlighting. Use photos of actual aircraft interiors of the specific aircraft modeled to choose appropriate colors to use on the panel. Allow all paint to dry for 24 hours.
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Glue the cockpit into the aircraft and the cockpit cover over the cockpit. Add any external parts such as weapon pods or landing gear. - 11
Use the wet/dry sandpaper on the final coat of paint over the outside of the airplane to remove brush marks. Wipe the airplane clear of sanding residue, and then spray the model with clear-coat spray to give your paint a protective layer. Wait 24 hours for the clear-coat to dry and then display your model where desired.