A collection of items I have learned by trial and
error
Painting Large Parts
If you are painting two different colors on one surface (e.g.
camoflauge) then use clear tape. Apply the tape to your jeans, and then
pull it off several times, so that it won't stick to the paint already on your
model.
Always have mineral spirits ready so you can clean off your
brush when you are done.
Study the directions carefully so you can apply the paint
exactly where needed.
Use a wide brush
I would recommend using the Federal Standard paints for at least
the external parts of a model. They make it much more realistic
Painting Small Parts
Use a small brush. For painting characters, I have a very
fine brush for their flying goggles, wrenches, pads, etc...
Hold the piece to be painted still. If you can't hold
it with your hand, then hold it with a clothes pin or other
clamp. I have a suction device to hold small pieces.
If you just have one or two small parts to paint,
then sometimes, you can paint them with a toothpick, as that doesn't dirty a
brush.
Decals
If the decals of your model don't seem to work, then don't
hesitate to mail the company and request more. Revell/Monagram is good
with this.
Read the directions on the decals. Some must be dipped in,
and others dunked for 10 seconds or so.
When I apply decals, I have close at hand: scissors for cutting
the small decals out, a hobby knife for cutting closely around large
decals, tweezers for dipping the decals, a paper towel for drying the
decals, a paint brush for smoothing out the decals, and water in
a small container for dipping them in.
When the decals are ready to apply, move the backing next to the
place to apply the decal, and then press on the decal with either the tweezers
or your finger. Slide the backing away from the decal, and the decal
should be in its correct place.
If you make a mistake, then you should be able to dip the paint
brush in water, soak the decal surrounding area with water, and move the decal
with the tweezers by pushing and pulling on the decal, not by picking it off
the surface of the model. After it is in the correct position, use the
paper towel to dab at the water and soak it up.
Let the decals dry a few hours before turning the model to
finish the other side.
Canopies and Windshields
Use lots of clear tape to cover the clear parts of the windshield, to leave the
bars open to paint. This may take some time, but I haven't found a better
way of getting the effect. Of course it is easier if you have fewer bars
to paint.
Before removing the tape, blow dry it, as that reduces the residue left
behind by the tape. You may even want to glue the windscreen on before
painting to eliminate cracks.
