How To Pick Paint For Your Model Plane

When it comes to model airplanes, there are a lot of different colors and finishes you can choose from. There are different types of paints available in the market like acrylic paint, watercolor paint, etc. But how do you know which paint is right for your model? Here are a few tips to help you pick the right paint for your plane.

Pick A Color

First, decide what color you want your plane to be. This may be based on the model’s real life counterpart or it may be a color you like. If you don’t know, visit model airplane forums and social media pages and ask other modelers for advice on paint schemes they like.

  • Silver (great for model rockets and jets)
  • White (good for WWII model planes)
  • Night Blue (great for model rockets and missiles)
  • Gold (good for model rockets and jets)
  • Black (great for model submarines, subs, and WWII model planes)
  • Red (good for WWII model planes and model tanks)
  • Yellow (good for model helicopters and WWII model planes)
  • Green (good for model helicopters and WWII model planes)

Next, decide if you want to paint your model one solid color or multiple colors. If you choose a multi-colored model plane, pick contrasting colors that look good together. For example, red and green or blue and orange are popular model airplane paint schemes because they contrast each other well.

Choose A Finish

Another thing to consider when choosing model airplane paint is the finish. There are three main types of finishes: gloss, semi-gloss, and flat. Gloss finishes are shiny and reflect light well. They are usually used on model cars and boats. Semi-gloss finishes are less shiny than gloss finishes and are good for model airplanes that will be displayed in a case. Flat finishes are the least shiny and are good for model airplanes that will be flown.

Test The Paint

Finally, always test your paint on a piece of plastic or wood with the help of a paint brush, before painting your model airplane. This will help you make sure the model airplane paint you want to use has a good finish and color on a model plane. If the model paint is too bright or dull, pick a different model airplane paint for your model.

Start Painting

Once you have picked out your model plane paint, gather up some model airplane painting supplies and get ready to start working!

  • Make sure you have enough model airplane paint to complete your project
  • A model airplane painting brush (or two or three, depending on the size of your model plane)
  • A model airplane painting bottle or jar to hold the paint in
  • Paper towels or a rag to clean up any mistakes
  • A model airplane painting stand to hold the model while you paint it

Once you have everything together, follow the model airplane paint’s instructions for stirring and applying.

Next, model airplane painting time! Dip your model airplane painting brush into the model airplane paint until it is fully covered with a thin layer of model paint. Then touch the model plane’s surface where you want to apply model paint and brush model airplane paint onto the model plane. Continue doing this until your model is painted and you are happy with how it looks.

Once your model is finished, let it dry according to the model airplane paint’s instructions and you’re all done! You now have a model that represents what you intended for it to look like.