Beginner's Guide to Hand Painting Models: Part 1

[@UnderstatementJones1]

Thanks so much for doing these! As someone stuck in an apartment getting into the only with no real possibility of airbrushing, it's great to have such a detailed explanation of a technique most KZbinrs neglect. Keep it up!

[@scalemodellingmadness4114]

Thanks buddy :)

[@davidhunt1947]

If you wear a mask, especially one made for painting, and open a window, you can use water-based acrylic paints for airbrushing, such as Ammo by Mig, Vallejo, Life Color and Italeri with no problems. Basically, the Spanish and Italian stuff. Stay away from everything else because it’s toxic

[@airsoftfreak11]

Love that you talk about the Canadian history involving the second world war. I did not know of this man, thank you )

[@supercededman]

Superb. I'm getting back into kits after 45 years. I handbrushed then, and whilst I have bought an airbrush, I feel a bit nostalgic, and want to try brushes, for old times sake. Love your work. Great production quality. Bravo.

[@alexthibodeau979]

Thank you for this upload. I like that you acknowledged the air bubbles and pooling, as that is a really common issue with my own models. I also liked that you showed the different layers being painted on and showing the effect. This was a reall in depth guide and I'm definitely going to try out this advice!

[@scalemodellingmadness4114]

Glad it was helpful Alex! Good luck with your next build :)

[@robertholton4807]

Finally a great in depth video for hand brushing models

[@scalemodellingmadness4114]

Glad it was helpful :)

[@sohaibshehzad2052]

Excellent techniques. I am recommending this to my friend.

[@scalemodellingmadness4114]

Awesome, thank you!

[@tannerVBHC]

your attention to detail is amazing and truly inspiring

[@scalemodellingmadness4114]

Thank you so much 😀

[@Niinsa62]

Thank you very much. I like that you show in detail what you do. Like the wash, you show how you dilute the oil paint, how you apply it, and how you wipe the excess off with a Q-tip. That kind of detail is very much appreciated!

[@coniccinoc]

The skill, patience and end result are remarkable. Beautiful work.

[@darrenwoodfield4990]

Wow...such patience. I'm so impressed with the time you spend on even the cockpit interior. I wish I could do this ...

[@JuanValdez-w5j]

Thank you for the excellent video, it has taught me a lot. You presented it very confidently and calmly. Kudos

[@alexgee2743]

Thanks a lot for this video. You show what is possible without using an airbrush, although you are using (thinned) airbrush colors. Great work! Can‘t wait for the next parts.

[@RB-hx7rd]

the model looks fab,well done.

[@staceygrove7295]

Lovely clearly presented tutorial. Many thanks.

[@scalemodellingmadness4114]

Glad it was helpful!

[@allenwolfe74]

Thank You for Your Video's You teach and train and explain very well...Yoy bring the fun back to modeling Thank You Great Job 👍

[@scalemodellingmadness4114]

Thanks you so much, Allen :)

[@FeliceDArcoPedNeuroRad]

Exactly what I needed !!! thanks

[@scalemodellingmadness4114]

Glad it helped, Felice :)

[@DiecastMediaNetwork]

Nice! I like seeing alternative, more budget minded builds that find creative solutions. Really clever!

[@scalemodellingmadness4114]

Thanks FV :)

[@simonvance8054]

Looks absolutely amazing...more realistic than many airbrushed models. Great job and well done for not over weathering like too many do. Thanks for sharing the knowledge!..

[@joshc8671]

Thanks for this. Inspirational, encouraging, and informative, but above all, relaxing.

[@genarobarron67]

I really think that you have the best tutorial videos online. I've seen so many different. " how to " videos and I really like yours the best . Thank you for your efforts, you do a great job .

[@scalemodellingmadness4114]

Thank you Genaro, very kind of you. I am glad the videos have proven useful :)

[@Delpino666]

Thank you so much for the video! I am trying the hobby for the first time and getting ready to paint a Tamiya airplane. Is there a big difference in results between using acrylic or emanel paintings? I'm having a hard time choosing

[@gerbenwessels8776]

Thank you very much for this inspiring video.. and your tip about the liquitex modeling paste was the best in years! Keep up the good work!

[@scalemodellingmadness4114]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lockay101]

Now I just can't wait to start. Just waiting on mail!

[@scalemodellingmadness4114]

Hope you enjoy it! Good luck :)

[@taylorindustries]

i think its worth mentioning that drying times can vary depending on the season and the weather. On a really hot day in the summer it will dry much faster than a cold wet winter day.

[@ДенисЧ-р3у]

Hello, thank you for your videos, I really appreciate this beginner's series. I am now building my first kits and believe that your videos helped me a great deal to avoid many mistakes. I also appreciate your friendly and simple manner.

[@scalemodellingmadness4114]

Thank you mate. Good luck with the build. Just a tip, focus on enjoying the hobby and good results will come automatically with time :)

[@68orangecrate26]

Beautiful job…😎😎👨‍✈️

[@Sunfade38]

Glad I could give your video the 1000th like, I appreciate all the information. I'm new to model kits and i'm painting the Tamiya-Italieri 1/48 234/2 Puma soon. I want to try it by hand first before I decide if I really want to invest in this hobby with an airbrush. Much appreciated!

[@diegoruiz-hernandez273]

Many thanks for your videos. They show passion and care for detail. And they are so satisfying to watch! One question I did not get from your first video. Which colour of primer you use? Any advise you can give about priming? Thanks.

[@Watson84200]

God you nailed it. What's the 'wash' for? Cos you're not really washing it

[@elyisus6162]

Love your work! I will keep practicing and testing new techniques, so one day my models could look like yours. Thanks for all the great content.

[@scalemodellingmadness4114]

Thanks Leo....good luck with your builds, I am sure it is only a matter of practice and experience when your kits will be better than mine :)

[@cyberdon-kv2iz]

Hi there. I love your videos. I find when I brush on primer I don't get a great effect. Should I brush on primer in multiple layers, or should I just skip using primer altogether?

[@SwordToothTiger]

how to paint big open metallic surfaces? nice idea to show brush painting on a 48 scale model by the way! thanks a lot!

[@scalemodellingmadness4114]

Thanks mate, planning on doing the modern aviation project soon :)

[@SwordToothTiger]

@@scalemodellingmadness4114 thanks a lot!

[@vlajkot6563]

Excellent video. For me the most interesting part was eliminating the drops of color that were gathering on the edges of the seat... Every beginner should watch this with close attention. Thank you!!

[@scalemodellingmadness4114]

Thank you Tasic :)

[@frankward8336]

Brush painting is much more rewarding. Modern acrylic paints are wonderful. Airbrush work is complicated and time-consuming, even worse when paint dries up inside. Plus the initial cost of the equipment and hours to learn! The only exception to handpainting is an aerosol can to apply a good primer coat, especially to the wings and fuselage. Many modellers on KZbin are far too skilled, us normal blokes just wanna have fun! Guys, don't be anal about washing and weathering.

[@justjab6001]

this thought me how to paint my kit properly thx

[@kingcom40]

Excellent videos, just what i was looking for, just starting to do some builds and was looking for a great way of finishing without going through the expense of airbrushing, really appreciate it

[@chriswalker2858]

Excellent resolve of the instrument panel, however its a bit of a shame you didn't mix some grey with the rather bright zinc chromate that way you may have got close to the RAF cockpit green colour. I admire your patience. Thank you.

[@stuartosborne6263]

Another great video, thankyou.

[@brycewalker7797]

Hello Sir, I have a few questions 1. What was that popsicle stick contraption that you stuck the small cockpit parts to for painting? 2. I also watched your hand-painting video when you made the P-47. What was the type of gloss you used for that model set? Matt and glossy? Was it tamiya? 3. Also for the matt/gloss finish, how many coats do you use? 4. Is primer really necessary? Could I get away without it just for simplicity? 5. In your P-47 video, when you painted the cockpit, you put this liquid solution on the cockpit parts that you didn't want to be painted. I was just a little confused about how you took that stuff off afterward. 6. Finally, when you do weathering and such with the black and brown oil paints, is that done with a lot of thinning out? And do you weather directly on the paint, or do you weather on top of a coat of varnish? Sorry for all the questions, but this channel is the goldmine of hobby modeling. Great video!

[@jpw1812]

Dunno if this will help but I use 2 gloss coats then apply the decals and weathering etc (no varnish in cockpit tho)and then I do another layer then add a matte Finnish if no matte Finnish then just leave one after layer

[@jpw1812]

I’m not him but weather on the coat of varnish because if you don’t and attempt to rub a wash/oil off it will take the paint with it

[@jpw1812]

Popsiclestick just looks like backwards tape I might use that actually 😅

[@lockay101]

@@jpw1812 That's what I thought I'm gonna do that too

[@pilsendood]

THANKS!

[@ob1kenobi748]

Amazing vid 👍

[@jeffdurling2167]

question is it possible to brush primer? also do you typically wash the plastic kit with soap and water before getting started?

[@bencebujna3893]

Very Nice! Thank you for sharing! I have a question: If I use enamel paint how much time I have to wait before the next layer?

[@scalemodellingmadness4114]

Enamel paints are a little tricky to hand paint with, not impossible, but yes, tricky. They dry rather quickly and so you will have to keep a close eye on them while painting. Enamels too don't take too long to dry, but it does vary from brand to brand. What I suggest you do, is take a piece of plastic (preferably a piece from the kit that you will not using or a disposable plastic spoon) and do some basic tests on that.

[@bencebujna3893]

@@scalemodellingmadness4114 Thank you very much

[@andrashorvath6300]

@@scalemodellingmadness4114 I think you mixed up enamels and lacquers. Enamels are these little tins sold mainly by Humbrol and Revell and they are excellent for hand painting. They self-level nicely and stick to the surface much better than any acrylic paint. They take rather long to dry, I used to leave them overnight until I switched to acrylics because of convinience and no smelly fumes. Also, modern acrylics give you nearly as nice finish as enamels. Anyways, good video with useful advices and the finished kit is rather impressive.

[@johnadams-wp2yb]

Well done. I hand paint. Cheers

[@scalemodellingmadness4114]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jamesblaxill1630]

Can you have a shot at hand painting German mottling next please? :)

[@scalemodellingmadness4114]

I will try...am doing some research trying to find the best way to mottle. Will surely share shortly :)

[@jamesblaxill1630]

Scale Modelling Madness legend!

[@tygordy8222]

I'm new and looking into painting some model kits, I want to start with handbrushing as well. Do you have to dilute the paint? Could you just apply several layers of non-diluted paint?

[@lamexpard675]

Helps me alot Thanks😁😁

[@scalemodellingmadness4114]

Glad to hear that Leo :) Good luck with the build.

[@NM-ug7vx]

Indeed a great work as always. I see that you use valleho acrylics without primer. Could you explain me why and what are advantages or disadvantages with painting without primer?

[@scalemodellingmadness4114]

Thanks NM. Over the years, I have reduced my use of primers gradually. Mainly because the quality of paint has improved so much that it doesn't need anything to stick to anymore. Several years ago, it was sometimes a challenge to get the paint on surface without beading and a primer was essential. I avoid using a primer even more when it comes to hand painting kits, since the coat of paint tends to be thicker while hand painting. However, a primer coat still has some very important uses. In multi coloured or multi media surfaces I always use a primer, else the colour difference shows through the paint. By multi media I mean a mix of plastic, photo etch, resin, etc. A primer also reveals surface imperfections that are otherwise hard to spot. Also, a good primer will smoothen the surface for subsequent coats of paint. If you want to apply a primer, I would suggest you either use an airbrush or a can.

[@NM-ug7vx]

@@scalemodellingmadness4114 Thank you for answer, as always helpful tips from you.

[@billysayers7941]

When painting a model do I need to let the first coat dry before applying the second coat.?

[@slugraduate]

Do you a list of the supplies you suggested in these videos? e.g. putty, sanding sponges, etc

[@hansenhenry5438]

I’ll probably be using Vallejo normal model color instead of the air kind, what would be the differences and what’s the upside of using the air kind? Thank you so much for making these videos! You are definitely the best model tutorial creator on KZbin.

[@scalemodellingmadness4114]

Thanks again Henry, you are very kind. The difference between Vallejo air and the normal Vallejo paints (which are called model color) is their consistency or thickness. The brush paints are thicker than Vallejo air and will need to be thinned down more. That's about the only difference. The only advantage of Model air, if you can call it an advantage, is that they are pre-diluted for the airbrush.

[@hansenhenry5438]

@@scalemodellingmadness4114 Got it. Thanks!

[@andrewbigelow1415]

@@scalemodellingmadness4114 Does Vallejo make sets, for example RAF colors, of the Model Color brush paints? All I seem to find in sets are the Air Color paints. Thanks!!

[@backnine39]

Hi. Thanks for Putting this together, it's really helpful for someone like me getting back into the hobby, and at a late age at that. I noticed you use vallejo model air paint and you still diluted it. I've seen/read somewhere that you dont need to dilute VMA when hand brushing. Have you tried VMA straight out of the bottle? Thanks in advance!

[@billwatson8380]

I might have missed it, but, what are you using to dilute the paint? I'm new to building and don't have the money to invest in an airbrush kit. Thank you for any information.

[@larmar]

Very good I am now a subscriber! Excellent job on the instrument panel.

[@scalemodellingmadness4114]

Awesome, thank you!

[@muhammadomerfarouq9388]

Do acrylic paints need to be thinned or can they be used directly from the container? If need to be thinned then with what? And what should be the ratio?

[@hannibal884]

how do you keep your hands so steady?

[@mrcarlo1966]

Thank you.

[@tigersfan61979]

Question for you, if you don't mind. Is it possible to do a wash with highly diluted acrylics? or is oil based the only way to go with that?

[@magicain77able]

Is it okay to use hair dryer? To speed up drying process.

[@scalemodellingmadness4114]

Yup...no problem using a hair dryer. Just be careful around small features, sometimes you may bend them if exposed too long to the heat from the dryer. Don't use highest heat setting :)

[@bhingolacson510]

How do you keep a part in place while painting them on top of flat stick?

[@RicardoDiLago]

You are no using any primer. is that only required for metal models?

[@iamaduckquack]

Sorry if this was asked already what are those little metal tray things you use for mixing your paint and where did you get them from? Thanks.

[@scalemodellingmadness4114]

Hey there mate. Those little metal trays are nothing special, you get them at most hobby or arts and crafts shops. The only reason I am using them is because my hobby shop owner gave them to me free. I would not pay for them, when I can just as easily use cheap plastic cups or disposable cups you get with delivery food, etc. :)

[@user-wj4xw6pb8h]

Also, can you recommend a good Vallejo paint starter set? I’m torn between a few. I’m actually starting with this very kit (well, the Tamiya version).

[@vlajkot6563]

I think there is a set or two for RAF WW2 aircrafts. So pick one you like.

[@vlajkot6563]

example Vallejo 71144, RAF colors special.

[@scalemodellingmadness4114]

Hey Paul, I think Tasic has answered the question spot on. So, thanks Tasic and good luck Leo with the build :)

[@the-primered-thumb]

Helpful, informative, and top quality work, I'm so glad I subbed 😁👌

[@scalemodellingmadness4114]

Thanks Tim...i am glad you liked the videos :)

[@hansenhenry5438]

Can I use oil paint thinner instead of turpentine? My parents don’t want be using it because of the smell.

[@scalemodellingmadness4114]

Yes you can. But before you use it on the kit, please use on a spare piece of plastic to see how it behaves. I would suggest you buy some cheap disposable plastic spoons and use those as a test surface for any new product you want to use or for any new experiment you feel like trying.

[@hansenhenry5438]

@@scalemodellingmadness4114 Okay great! Thanks for the tip : )

[@user-wj4xw6pb8h]

Is Vallejo Model Air ok to brush with? Or is the Vallejo Model paint best to use? Can they be thinned with Tamiya thinner?

[@tlw4237]

Model Air is pretty thin, but you can brush it. The best method is probably to apply a series of thin layers to build up the colour gradually and it also helps to avoid brush-strokes showing up. Which is a method I often use when brushing any paint, though most of my painting is done with an airbrush. I can get an almost airbrushed looking finish with a brush but it uses a lot more paint than spraying and takes much, much longer to do. As for thinner, most acrylic thinners are fairly similar, a mix of water and some alcohols. I’ve thinned Tamiya and Revell Aqua paints with Vallejo thinner without problems other than the drying time being a little different than with Tamiya thinner so I imagine thinning Vallejo paint with Tamyia X-20A should work. It’s perhaps a good idea to add a little flow Vallejo improver or artist acrylic’s “extender” to the paint. This will slow down the drying time, keep the paint workable for longer and the longer drying time helps the paint self-level as it dries. Something to avoid is thinning Tamiya with just water - it really doesn’t like it, especially the metallic colours, the pigment tends to clump up and the paint sometimes dries lumpy and grainy.

[@rocinante217]

Great video and fantastic job on the cockpit! Quick question -- is the metal silver that you used to chip the cockpit an oil or acrylic paint?

[@furiouszer0221]

VERY GOOD!! by the way i have a question. can i use artist acrylic paint to hand paint scale models?

[@scalemodellingmadness4114]

Yes you can. However, you will have to experiment a little to see how well the paint is sticking to plastic (most acrylic paints stick just fine, but do check just to be sure). An easy way to do that it to buy some disposable plastic spoons and use your paint on them first. The second problem you may encounter is that special hobby paints come in colours and shades specifically aimed at models. So, you will get specific paints for RAF or USAF or Russian aircraft/ships/AFVs. But with artists paints you will have to make your own shades. Even if you are not one for historic accuracy, it is nice to be at least in the same ball park as the original colours (or what we think the original colours were). Hope that helps :)

[@bhaveshtank60]

I recently started the hobby and started off with artists acrylic cheap paints. I'd say you absolutely can paint with them. You just need to make sure you thin them down enough with water as mine are extremely thick. But they thin down and mix together very well. The finish is not bad but it is extremely matte and coarse, which is fine but it can be easy to chip and scratch so just be a bit careful. I have only gloss coated the cockpit so far for decals and after the gloss the finish was very nice.

[@furiouszer0221]

thanks for the information about artist acrylic paints :>

[@southpaw5483]

May you reply with the Model Number/Version of Daler Rowney Brushes you are using?

[@scalemodellingmadness4114]

Hey Southpaw, I am using a number 12. But in all honesty, I chose the brush more by eyeballing it and seeing which one would be best for the model. It changes from model scale to aircraft type and also the part of aircraft I am working on. But, the brush I use the most would be a number 12 :)

[@southpaw5483]

With water based Acrylic Paints, are we best to Prime the model all the time? or is this no longer required with today's quality of the paints? Your thoughts are welcomed. Thank you for your sharing and education.

[@michaelevans205]

Great video. .....I don't have an airbrush and am a bit old fashioned so brushes are my thing! One point though, the Hurricane had an escape door on the side of the fuselage, it wasn't routinely left open in the same manner as the Spitfire but rather, was for emergency use; the pilot got in and out by climbing over the cockpit side.

[@terrydavies3671]

I've seen you use modelling clamps on numerous occasions could you please advise where I can obtain clamps like these

[@realMaverickBuckley]

22 yrs old😔

[@nulix8237]

A serious error occurred. There was no Daily Beetle!

[@FiveLiver]

It's not Scale Modelling Madness without it.

[@scalemodellingmadness4114]

Lol...I didn't think anyone would notice. Just changed my PC and had to download new music. The error shall be corrected in next video :D

[@scalemodellingmadness4114]

Ahem...ahem...just uploaded next video....lol :D

[@Burningwithecstasy]

PRO TIP: Use acrylic paint! it's better for you and the environment!

[@BigAndTall666]

Nope, it kills fish as it block their gills!

[@BennyCFD]

Nice work. But most of the work will never be seen, kind of like painting the inside of a wall.

[@TheJetJock]

Jesus, the background music is annoying

[@andrewcowley2691]

Annoying music.

[@TommyHeath-l1h]

Thanks a lot for this video. You show what is possible without using an airbrush, although you are using (thinned) airbrush colors. Great work! Can‘t wait for the next parts.

[@CollinSteed-vg6jz]

Another great video, thankyou.