Re: JKim's Completed Builds
Posted: Thu May 11, 2017 3:33 pm
Ok... I should finish what I've started and describe the rest of the Blue 16 painting process. After my color modification of the engine cowling, the model was given a gloss coat and the decals were applied. After the decals were sealed with another gloss coat, I tried some salt chip fading. I didn't photograph this part of the build but essentially you give your model surface a coat of water and then sprinkle salt crystals (I like to use ground rock salt) on in random areas. Once dry, you spray a second color over the dried salt. Once you wash off the dried salt crystals, the random spots are revealed. You can use this method to create paint chipping but I like using it to impart a raggedy and spotty fading effect to the upper surfaces.
Here is what the application of salt looks like on a P-38 followed by a photo of the results.
On Blue 16, the effect was subtle. Too subtle and was almost disappeared after the final flat coat was applied.
A dark pastel panel wash (my own mix) was applied to highlight the recessed details. I've heard some opposing opinions on the highlighting of panel lines. I highlight all of my panel lines with some sort of wash. However, I am not of the opinion that this is the most "accurate" way to weather an aircraft but I much prefer the look of a panel line filled with a wash than a panel line that hasn't been filled. In my opinion, an unfilled panel line looks exactly like what it is: a engraved groove upon a plastic surface. The filling of the line with a darker wash serves to highlight the panel but also helps to visually turn a 3-D groove into a 2-D line... if that makes any sense.
The panel wash is sealed with a flat coat. I like how the rivets add some visual interest to the surfaces without being too dramatic. They fade away nicely as you step away from the model.
Here is what the application of salt looks like on a P-38 followed by a photo of the results.
On Blue 16, the effect was subtle. Too subtle and was almost disappeared after the final flat coat was applied.
A dark pastel panel wash (my own mix) was applied to highlight the recessed details. I've heard some opposing opinions on the highlighting of panel lines. I highlight all of my panel lines with some sort of wash. However, I am not of the opinion that this is the most "accurate" way to weather an aircraft but I much prefer the look of a panel line filled with a wash than a panel line that hasn't been filled. In my opinion, an unfilled panel line looks exactly like what it is: a engraved groove upon a plastic surface. The filling of the line with a darker wash serves to highlight the panel but also helps to visually turn a 3-D groove into a 2-D line... if that makes any sense.
The panel wash is sealed with a flat coat. I like how the rivets add some visual interest to the surfaces without being too dramatic. They fade away nicely as you step away from the model.
