Painting Checkers Nose & Tails On Scale Plastic Model Aircraft, Cars & More Made Easy! No Decals...

Follow along step by step as I show you a really simple technique to paint checker patterns on scale models! No more having to fuss with decals to get this iconic look on your aircraft models! Not just for aircraft. Great technique for model cars too!
My Scale Model Facebook Group:
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Links to all products used in the video to achieve painted checkers-
Badger 105 Airbrush: amzn.to/3HUvVi7
Tamiya Paints: amzn.to/3WhdkRD
Tamiya Masking Tape: amzn.to/3WgsKoR
Mr. Color Leveling Thinner: amzn.to/3uKcYGV
Mixing Cups: amzn.to/3VQnKY1
Check Out My Etsy Shop! Paints-Kits-Tools: www.etsy.com/shop/StyreneHaven
I have an eBay Store! New & Vintage Scale Model Kits: www.ebay.com/str/styrenemodel...
Video Edited With Filmora: www.anrdoezrs.net/click-10068...
Check Out My Other How To Videos:
Natural Metal Finish: • Natural Metal Finish M...
Priming: • Priming A 1/72 Airfix ...
Filling Gaps & Seams Made Easy!: • Simple Easy Methods To...
You can support the channel by clicking the links above! I am affiliate for the companies the links go to. If you click the links and make a purchase I may receive a commission from those companies at no cost to you. Thank you!
00:00 Intro
00:25 Checker Decals
00:45 Starter Cart
01:16 Masking Method
02:00 First Mask & Paint
03:25 Second Mask & Paint
03:54 Final Results
04:36 Conclusion

[@bobrivett7645]

When I was in the military our jet aircraft had checkerboard rudders, they painted the checkerboard pattern exactly how you described doing for your model aircraft.

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

I learned this technique from painting checkers on a garage wall. Just scaled it down!

[@kilrcudarc7301]

Dude, this technique is MONEY! I never would have thought of this. Thank you to your friend for sharing the technique with you and thank you for the video!

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

You are so welcome! I was blown a way too when he showed me how easy it was! It's almost like magic LOL. Be sure to sub my channel as I have more how to videos in the works. How to restore old decals, airbrush basics and more!

[@kilrcudarc7301]

@@StyreneModelersHaven Already sub'd to the channel. Also, just bought a set of decals from your eBay store, thanks for getting those out the door quick! Looking forward to more videos!!!

[@DavidMarzola]

Great lesson. I am probably reading too much into it but is there a guideline for determining a start point? In the video you mention “starting point” as the middle for the cart and at the top for the cowl. Seems logical.

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

Usually the middle of the part is the best place to start but you could always use a pencil to draw out the pattern on the part first to see how it will look if you are not sure.

[@williampolozzolo7274]

FANTASTIC!!! You are The Man!!! (Why didn't I think of that??!!) Thank you, do Very Much!!!

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

You're welcome!

[@paulsawyer2326]

So glad you made this video. This technique will help me with painting methods on my future airplane projects.

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

You bet! Glad it helped and more coming...

[@carlsmoot2939]

As a returning modeler, I have an innate appreciation for bettering my builds. Over the last five years, I've learned quite a bit , always experimenting, always trying to improve not only the techniques, but the experience of building. This has paid off handsomely in my enjoyment of the hobby. It is with pleasure that I am able to learn how others accomplish the things I still struggle with. I therefore, very much appreciate "how To" videos about modeling, much more so that "reviews" or "complete builds". This is not to say that I do not appreciate the work of other builders, for I do. There are some extremely talented people in this hobby and I love being able to help them express there abilities, even in only in a small way by viewing their videos. But the "How To" videos are what KZbin started with and I find it an amazing tool for those purposes. So , thank you very much for illustrating this particular technique.

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

I too like the reviews and build videos but I do notice that there is not as many how to videos on how these amazing modelers achieve those results. I am trying to fill that void in some small way by trying to do more how to videos as I progress through my own builds. Glad you picked up on that!

[@babel232]

I too have bad luck fitting large wrap around decals, this is an excellent alternative, more work but worth the effort.

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

It is a great technique for complex shapes.

[@WatchinDWorldGoBy]

wow! This is so cool. I was always stumped on how to paint checkers. It's actually so easy!

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

It really is!

[@stanvanrensburg4452]

Thank you and thanks to your friend for sharing this .

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

So nice of you

[@modelrestorations]

Another great tutorial!

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

Glad you think so! Thank you.

[@tankertom3243]

Brilliant. I have been trying to get the secret of checkers for a long time. I feel like Frankenstein discoveringing the secret of life. Thanks.

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

Lol! That's how I felt when I tried this.

[@billgates3699]

Yep. This is how I’ve painted checkers on my riding jackets and helmets for decades. Follows curves etc. seamlessly.

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

So many places this technique can be used! Great way to paint a garage floor too.

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Defiantly can use this on a Hot Rod! 👍👍

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

You got that right!

[@donaldvincent]

This is Solid FIRE. I am going to try this on some scrap as soon as I get a chance. Thanks for posting.

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

Have fun!

[@stephenullman4534]

This was awesome! I can't seem to get the decals to ever work right. This was a saving grace. Awesome stuff.

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

So glad it helped you out!

[@hanleysoloway7965]

what a simple genius idea

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

I know! right? When my model buddy showed me, it was like one of those OMG, that is too simple to actually work! I love those easy techniques with huge payoff! Be sure to sub to my channel as I have more how to videos in the works.

[@CharlesFlahertyB]

Today I learned!

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

So glad I could be of service!

[@vincentfiore2228]

Thank you for a wonderful, much-needed video on this subject.

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

Glad it was helpful! Please sub to my channel and hit the notification bell. I am working on how to make your own masks video

[@Dallas-wg9th]

Thank you Mate, great tutorial!

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

You're welcome!

[@darkwood777]

Decaling is way, way easier. Decals also just look better. No reason to be afraid of them. Learn how to use the softening and setting solutions to get the decal to conform to a curve.

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

Decals can look good. I love trying to paint as many of the markings as possible. It can be a bit more work at times but I love the results.

[@markeisenbraun6978]

I've always wondered how to do this. Thanks for the great video.

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

You are welcome! It was so easy, I was amazed even after my first try. Please subscribe to my channel as I have more hot to content on the way.

[@sericono9077]

Brilliant! Thanks for sharing this valuable tip. I believe though that it will be more difficult to get good results on 1:72 scale airplanes.

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

Glad it helped!

[@FinsburyPhil]

Simple and effective - perfect

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

Thank you!

[@dokt_ERR]

Thanks for yout videos. That bare metal technique, simplefied complex job.

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

Thanks for watching! Glad I can help. Please sub to my channel as I have more how to vids in the works.

[@Guru_Swami]

WOW! Results are incredible! Painted on always looks better than the large checkered decals. I can never get these oddly shaped and wrapped decals on correctly.

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

Exactly! Thanks for commenting.

[@LemurKrazy]

Have had great success using 1/72 checkered decals with both gunze decal solutions. This would definitely be the technique for larger scales.

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

Great tip! Thank you.

[@kenshin73himura70]

My man, you are a diamond! Gonna practice this technique over and over. Finally I can finish those Mustangs I've put off because of crappy decals. 👍🤘Thank You! PS. You got a new subscriber!!!

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

Right on!

[@goranzaric3189]

Great job!

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

Thank you! Working on more vids. Please sub to the channel if you have not already.

[@bjesus73]

They came out great.

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

I was really impressed for being my first time and it was really easy!

[@jasonwaltrowski2315]

Great trick

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

Hope it inspired you to try it!

[@stephenrose1343]

This is a simple, really useful share. Takes a bit of time time, but the results are pretty impressive. Thanks.

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

Thank you, yes it can take a bit of time but still much easier I have found them dealing with decals.

[@freddyrosenberg9288]

Here is another tip. Cut the checkers decal in strips and apply them the same way he applied the tape. Do one section at a time and overlap as necessary.

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

Interesting idea.🤔

[@tonydrake462]

yeap - this works very very well. used it a few times and even if it's not perfect, it's better than a large decal!!

[@tonydrake462]

last time was a yellow checker over black tail on my Halifax a few months ago...

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

Agreed! I find it easier than decals and I can control how it looks based on how apply the paint.

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

Nice!

[@ryburnsjr]

That's how I painted my garage floor..needless to say after selling my house the owner covered it with special grey epoxy 😥😥😥

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

Bummer. At least you know how to do it.

[@user-vl4vs7tn6i]

Great technique I look forward to tying it. May I ask what straight edge/ruler you are using?

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

I am not sure where i got it, it was so long ago. it is a metal ruler with standard and metric markings. I find a metal ruler much better as my blade wont cut into the metal when using it as a guide.

[@dejugulators]

Thank you!

[@StyreneModelersHaven]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching.