Painting plastic models with brushes - Oil paints - Great Guide

[@matswinther8991]

To paint with oils on plastic one should first apply an acrylic grounding. On this model, I think the paint layer will start to flake, sooner or later. Also, to apply acrylic varnish on top of linseed oil is controversial. Instead of acrylic varnish, use oil paint varnish. After all, since oil is fat, a plastic layer on top of an oil layer doesn't sound right. Artists never do this. However, experience shows that oil over acrylic is fine, because it is fat over lean.

[@idaemonplasmo]

Thank you for your knowledge and ideas.

[@alexx86hater]

@@idaemonplasmo It's been 2 years since this video, do you still have that piece somewhere? How does it look?

[@CoreReaper1]

alexx86hater I second this comment.

[@isodoublet]

What does "doesn't sound right" mean?

[@matswinther8991]

The oil paint layer never becomes stable, unlike the acrylic layer. Changes in the underneath oil paint layer could cause the acrylic layer to delaminate. However, artists worry about how their works will fare in the future, a hundred years from now. Modelers don't worry so much about that, so they needn't follow the recommended oil painting techniques. It is not necessary to follow my recommendations.

[@DansScaleModelCreations]

2 weeks ago I called you a true artist in one of your other videos, you gracefully denied that were. Now I there no way you can deny it. You my friend are a true artist. lol fantastic video. thanks for sharing.

[@idaemonplasmo]

Well thanks :-D

[@robotgav4532]

Dan's Scale Model Creations an Artist would not of used fully saturated colour and a modeller would of fully built the aircraft kit/model, then painted the damn thing lol.

[@Calatriste54]

Agreed! My modeling began in 1959. I've been inspired by you and learned more from your work than any other modeling source in my time! Bravo! Your Bf-109 F4 Eduard 1:48 is my favorite. This video is right up there.

[@Kedanjt42]

@@robotgav4532 you don't paint it after it's completely assembled, otherwise you can't get everywhere.

[@5265markw]

Have to totally agree... inspirational video as usual...

[@DannyStuart]

Tamiya large flat brush is the real unsung hero of the story here.

[@razif6916]

So true

[@migol_net]

I did have a flashback of Bob Ross watching that big brush in action

[@CaptainFutureman]

Yes, the result was superb!

[@axtmann]

It is hard to find good tutorials for hand brush painting models with large flat surfaces. Your results speak for themselves. Beautiful.

[@RoGar712]

I have always used oil paints to add details to the final finish but never thought of trying to paint the entire model with them. The idea is interesting and will have to try it. Thanks for taking the time to bring us a fresh and original idea to our hobby.

[@Reargunner-o7h]

Everything you do mate is an absolute work of art. I am always blown away by the work you put in to making a piece of plastic come alive and look real!

[@thewaynesiewatsg]

This has got to be one of the most innovative videos on modeling. Excellent work in making the observation at how the masters mastered oil paints. You are one of Ng favorite channels!

[@angusmackay7281]

I've started experimenting with this and I'm really pleased with the results. I find the feathering works best if you clean the soft brush often. The drying time is the only downside; the results are way better than anything I've managed with acrylics. Thanks again for a really helpful video, David.

[@CaptainFutureman]

The result is stunning for how simple the materials and techniques are. I wish I had known about KZbin and your channel 30 years ago... Thanks for sharing these tips!

[@larmar]

It's almost magic to see such great results. 70 years old and I have never seen anything like this!

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Same here. Im staggered.

[@geraldimhof2875]

Do more of these David please! I'm trying to launch myself again into model building after 4 years and I have limited resources. I love what you make and this video will surely be my reference for brush painting

[@lion8lamb]

WOW !!! You'd never know it wasn't airbrushed - what a fabulous result ! You are truly gifted bro...

[@thomasshema4972]

I am blown away! I watch this video often, just for it's beauty alone and for inspiration. Plasmo, you are an master artist.

[@jonwills9160]

OMG. Just when you thought you knew what you were doing, David shows you some more magic. Fantastic!

[@martinfinster9899]

Brilliant tutorial on something I wondered about decades ago but never tried. This made me hit the subscribe button. And it's good to see the face behind the PLASMO voice.

[@michaellewis1211]

Great research. For years I limited myself to kits that I could paint with a spray can, before I owned an airbrush. Nice results. Keep up the great work!

[@kamilelfray5580]

The whole beauty was in background. Plastic board with few colors and blending them like an artist to achieve perfect shade. You dont need to worried about right RLM or name of colour... buying sets for germans or allies. After your video I really need to try with oils. Thanks man!

[@petermathieson5692]

Came here to learn about panel washing. Was very pleasantly surprised to learn something I really had never expected. Thank you. Very informative.

[@sericono]

Simply awesome! very useful when cannot paint with spray can during the winter. I will try this technique. Thanks for sharing David.

[@mccarthywatch]

Fantastic! Wonderful results! Thank you for taking the time to create this video. You have taught me many new techniques to try on my vintage 1/24 Stuka. I have purchased several oil paints today in hopes they will increase the detail and appeal of my model. Cheers from Leeds Alabama USA!

[@tonycharlesworth2952]

Wow, David you are a great ARTIST. Please do not stop you are getting better and better. 1 of your many fans. Tony, Thanks.

[@avion195]

Wow. What a great option to the airbrush. I had no idea conventional oils could achieve such a finish!

[@quickkits]

* goes online, buys the oil paints you used in this video * If I use this technique I'll be sure to link people to this. Excellent guide :D

[@reubendapiton573]

Quick Kits aaaayyyyy I was about to comment your channel to say you can make amazing scale model by brush paint

[@4ngu54110tt]

I'll be looking forward to seeing how you go with your oil paint experiments qk.

[@robotgav4532]

Quick Kits. Should imagine Owens oil painting will be comparable to a Constable

[@scalpelboy1]

Still waiting...

[@kshatriya1414]

IM STILL WAITING GRRRRRRRRR

[@rmorris4598]

I've painted models with oils for years. I don't understand why other people don't. I get especially good results on figures. It boggles my mind that people haven't caught on yet. Good to see this video!

[@tumdeax]

@R Morris I think the reason that few use oil paints is due to scale model companies tend to market the liquid enamels, placing them next to their scale models. I got my first model with a Testors glass bottle enamel kit, I hated painting simply because the liquid was so runny. I got a 10 tube oil set now, results should be better.

[@rmorris4598]

I tried enamel as well. I suppose you can get good results with anything if you know what you're doing. As he points out, when using oils make sure you use paints that are opaque. If I use a transparent or semi-transparent paint I lay down a white or grey base first. Then glaze, wash or dry-brush the transparents over that white or grey-scale base-coat. Oils are very flexible and forgiving.

[@tumdeax]

Are you from the USA? I've been looking for opaque "Olive Green" like in the video, but no dice.

[@rmorris4598]

I'm not familiar with the brand he uses. Every company that sells in the USA makes Olive Green paint but whether or not it's opaque, I don't know. I don't own any green paint. I always mix mine. In mixing a green unfortunately blues are transparent, which you don't want, unless you are going to glaze it over a white or light gray base. That's a different technique. However Lamp Black is actually a blue and it is opaque. I start with mixing Lamp Black and Cadmium Yellow or some other opaque yellow and adjust the tones up or down. You'll have to experiment with what you like. For an olive drab color you just add a touch of red to that mix. Add white to black/yellow/red mixture and it makes Khaki. I use Winsor Newton. Either the Artist oils or their Winton brand will serve the purpose. But any decent oil paints will work just fine. But learn to mix.

[@murdermachine9]

probably because of the drying time needed and the effect of topcoating undried paint. Anyway, what is your suggestion for drying time for oil paint and is there any way to speed them up?

[@kevinaylesbury1969]

You are no doubt the very best modeller in the world honestly Thank you so much for all your time and effort in showing people like me , I am disabled with illness and I have built motels for quite a time now and so much enjoy watching modelling videos , but you my friend produce the very best , you are number 1 Thank you for making so much difference in my life !!! I wish I could repay you in some way my friend , but all I can say is Thank you !!!💖

[@guerrillaradio9953]

Thanks for the idea! I have many artist's oils. I love the look on the model; very realistic! I'm going to try it tonight!

[@1romcat]

Impressive. Well done. I like the oil painting and mixing your own notion...

[@janaheeger5362]

Awesome job, I think it looks even more realistic than airbrushed! I really got to try this myself. Thank you so much for sharing 👍🏻

[@jjab99]

Wow! Who would have thought that such great results could be achieved with brush painting, well done my friend. Joe

[@newvictim]

Beautiful Job. I don't make models but I watch your videos in awe.

[@vodevick]

David, I agree, you’re not an artist... you’re a frickin’ superhero!

[@charliebowman785]

David you are my hero!!!!! outstanding nice work. Please end up the whole model. Best regards!

[@bluzzjazz]

Extremely nice result for brush painting! I will be thrilled to have mine turn out this good.

[@raccarva]

Fantastic! I guess it will be soooo much nicer to use this technique for complex 1/72 paint schemes instead of struggling with airbrushes... This video really breaks some paradigms!

[@unity20000]

I was doing this 30 years ago.

[@raulramirez7970]

Nice job. First time I have heard and seen a technique with oil on a plastic model. Will have to try it!!

[@unity20000]

@@raulramirez7970 Yep. Do give it a try. If you put the decals in while the paint is still a little bit wet, you wont even need to apply anything else after the paint. Decals just stick if they are put in at that point.

[@steveissexy]

i'm building for decades.some cool mods . but you do wicked jobs .best i've seen.

[@theRealBryan]

I recently learned similar techniques with acrylics. This oil technique is great! Airbrushes give good results, but there's so much rigmarole. I model to relax and the technique you show is relaxing and give great results. Thanks for sharing.

[@randypurtteman1183]

Astounding! A true "why didn't I think of that" procedure.

[@MrGrentch]

Very late to the party and you likely won't see this, but Leonardo would be nodding his head in approval at your sfumato. And he'd _love_ the aircraft. 🙂 A friend just gave me a "care package" for the virus lockdown. Three kits; a Spitfire VB trop, an ME109 and an I-16 24, all 1/48. And gave me lots of AK paints. I _know_ . a very good friend. He's very into modelling and thought it would be good for me to try it. After 30 years since the last time... 😮😄 He pointed me to your channel and just said "watch". I did. I thanked him for the kits and now I thank you for the inspiration. 🙂

[@johncroucher6053]

You are very generous with your help - I can see a lot of guys who don't like using an airbrush going down this route

[@idaemonplasmo]

I know, and that's the reason why I work on it so long. I think it can help many people.

[@johncroucher6053]

David - you need to think about approaching a manufacturer who could help you launch oils suitable for plastic - good luck

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Beautiful work. Way back when I was doing Historex figurines I always did the horses in oils. I wish I had had one tenth of your skill

[@bantharadio8960]

this just saved my life, i dont have an airbrush and just got some bandai star wars kits but they dont have that star wars grey blueish tone to them, tie fighter if you are wondering which model I got and this has been a total life saver, will defo give it a go! Thanks!

[@tcandle695]

Thanks David for your nice videos. Nice to know and learn that we can paint models with oil paints specially military models where the finish does not need to be perfect. I will try this technique with a 1/72 aircraft. thanks again.

[@jamiesworkshop3198]

Wow! That is awesome! A model is just a blank canvas isn't it? I would have never considered painting a model in oil paints, but your results are very, very good! Thank you! I have often weathered my models with simple watercolors. Thank you for pushing new ideas and techniques!

[@richardplug]

That looks like a lot of fun! The finish is very close to, if not as good as, airbrush painting. I will try this on an inexpensive kit sometime.

[@CHNOCHNO-xt2ly]

i appreciate the nice background music. it's not annoying and makes it a pleasure to watch your videos. cheers!

[@geoffhalstead1811]

At last someone showing how to use oil paints on models👍👏 Nothing beats oil paints especially to achieve perfect blending of colours as you see in nature. When I started painting figurines I tried all typed of paint with horrible results BUT the moment I tried oils it was a revalation‼️ Blending highlights and shadows became a pleasure with the end result better than I see from so many so called experts. Just a pity I cannot add photos to this post, so I think a video showing my miniatures is called for. Let me know what you think. All I can say is try oils, BUT not cheap ones.

[@kelvinyau]

This oil paint technique looks so nice! Tks for sharing.

[@shawnmccrary5526]

I’m not sure you’re not doing a better job with your style. Awesome job !

[@pyrypihlajaniemi6196]

Congratulations!!! You have just solved the most annoying problem of painting in scale models!!👍

[@idaemonplasmo]

it was hard to find the right technique, but I think that is perfect for beginners and experts.

[@davidmerritt2469]

Thank you for this video. I recently pained a figure with oil paint and did not know I could be varnished. Very informative

[@BlueyWolf]

You are my kinda guy always open for new things , always improving and teaching others , thats why i like your channel so much , i learnt so much from you , thank you for all these awesome videos.

[@idaemonplasmo]

Thank you so much. That is why I am still making new videos. :-D

[@mattmakes2743]

This is great stuff. I was actual a fine art major in college and focused on oil painting. Not sure why I never got the connection, but I’m sure glad you did!

[@Johanfho]

Thank you a really inspiring video! I will most certainly try this out, as I look to improve my brushpainting and I don't have an airbrush.

[@lacrauzorro]

I had that idea some time ago, but never had the opportunity to try it! Fortunately, you did it and with great success! Thank you very much for this video! I guess my acrylics will go to retirement!

[@qwertyman9560]

Very interesting, thanks for sharing. I use paintbrush for my models. I have found enamels to be much easier to work with than acrylics. Also get a beautiful if not perfect finish. Now I am curious about using oil paints.

[@angusmackay7281]

Amazing results David. Your techniques are brilliant.

[@jamestaylor3879]

You know I had my doubts about how this project was going to end up looking, even from your obviously skilled hands. Even almost to the very end I didn't think it looked quite right, for one I didn't initially see it was an RAF Wildcat instead of an American USAAF version and the olive drab didn't look quite right. But then you added the Varnish and especially the wash and BAM! It came together beautifully! And the OD fit the British scheme perfectly too, great job! It also gives me a bit of hope too. I have been wanting to get back into modeling but I can't afford to get a air brush rig. I was a bit bummed because I'm a perfectionist and I didn't want to do models that looked bad, not realistic. If I van get close like you got with this project then I can at least be satisfied until I can save enough to get a decent airbrush. Thank u.

[@marcolp91]

Hi David, I always watch your videos. You are amazing at this, keep doing it!

[@Bradzilla89]

Would love to see the finished model using this technique. Really surprised how well the paint flattened out. Usually when paint is applied with a brush it leaves that brush stroke texture. Really cool work!

[@CMBDIA]

this is a great guide. paint brushes are my only option right now. i've been looking for a video like this for a few days now. thanks!

[@MrStoney61]

Absolutely amazing! Thanks for posting.

[@GTScaleModelling]

Wow! What a result. I think you could convince a lot people that model was airbrushed. I have some cheap kits in the stash, I think I will be giving this a go!

[@mp-modelplastic]

Great work and good tips. The result is very good . i´m a paint brush modeler along the years and i love this kind of videos with old school tecniques. Keep the good work. 😉👍Greetings from Portugal.

[@m6087]

Hello, Really superb, you have an absolutely remarkable mastery of techniques. A big thank you for your pedagogy. Mark

[@OmarBertuzzi]

I paint the bikers in 1/12 scale with oil. Start use the Tamiya primer and then directly the oils with very satisfying results, but I had never thought about blending the colors with such a large brush. thanks for the idea and for the beautiful video😁

[@magazineman3910]

Really nice job David the oils have a classic look. I use oils for detailing my models and they look great. Keep up the great work. Dan

[@GuyBerthiaume-ScaleModels]

I have always enjoyed brush painting over airbrushing but have always tended to go for the airbrush/spray can to get better results. I have to try out this simple technique! Thank you for sharing this!

[@paulvalentine3440]

That is the goodz mister! The Old Masters using oils - Bazinga! It really has a rich tone to it. Depth. Good job!!

[@2kidsnosleep]

You have some fine art skills far superior to most modellers. Impressive work and a well shot video. I have subscribed!

[@sergliver5845]

Привет ! Всегда удивляет меня Ваша работа! Вы настоящий художник !!! Браво !👏👏👏

[@lucasromanow1688]

Awesome technics!, Greethings from Argentina, Buenos Aires.

[@steviegibson5847]

I love your videos, David. Very professional. Also, the choice of music is inspiring.

[@rcsart6409]

Fantastic! I paint in oils but never thought of using them on kits!

[@Scott-to8ri]

I know this is a few years old, but I found both pleasing and informative. The end result was quite good and a skill level I hope to achieve in time.

[@MrPere66]

Please smile , you are a master , i love the oils colors , make a another one , modern,,,, many thanks from PMI

[@Trantor.Citizen]

I build models and I also practice oil painting... This is a good way for combining both hobbies... What he teach about shading is 100% true.

[@ОлегАшуткин]

Thank you David! And I never expected such a professional be as young as you. Take my admiration, and good luck to you.

[@adalecarter]

Nice work David. Very nice indeed. I think this would be a great way to simulate the look of wood panels on WWI biplanes. Thanks again

[@deejayGOLDEE]

this guy is simply unbelieveable. and also fantastic backround music. he is a real profi-top. and this video helped me a lot. and i have now a question: so... will you ever use your airbrush again? :))

[@thermoshok]

very nice tutorial and awesome paint job looks spectacular

[@RobotJeeg]

Thank you for showing also your first models! Just to remember us that you made lots of ugly models like us! Because I was thinking your are an alien of something like that! Too talented to be human!

[@JensAndree]

The most important ingredient is skill, not so much the products you're using. I'm sure you, David, could make it work with ordinary school crayons too ;) Today we're bombarded with all these "fantastic" products for painting and weathering scale models - and some are really fantastic too - but most of them are just various pigments mixed with different enamel thinners, even the acrylic ones. Oil colours have been used for many generations and are what all modern paints are based on so they will surely work more than fine. Only shame is that they're getting hard to find today and have to be ordered... Really great Video David showing you don't need expensive airbrushes and specialist paints! Sadly it's easier to find, and buy, Tamiya acrylics today than a tube of oil paint, but the results speak for itself!

[@Z1PP00]

You are showing real talent in modelmaking. And I think you are also making interesting videos. Keep up the good work.

[@jamiesale9460]

I envy you your skills. What an artistic and realistic result. Congratulations.

[@richelias2973]

Just want to say I love your videos. Thank you for all the tips and ideas you provide.

[@davidsteer8142]

I'm thinking that it would be easier to master this technique than an airbrush for that minor detail. I don't make plastic models anymore but I make fishing lures so I'm always looking for new methods. Thanks David for a great tutorial.

[@paulcrombie8761]

Thankyou! I never knew you could paint plastic kits using oils. I am an artist and tend only to use oils on canvas or panel painting. But i did wonder about drying time on painting on a none porous surface? How do i get the paint to dry quicker? Incidently, my last kit i painted also happened to be a 1:48 scale Hellcat, US Navy carrier plane. Part airbrush and part brush using Humbrol enamel. But i wish i could acheive the effects that you can in a much cheaper and creative way. A big thankyou from me!!

[@reconranger1370]

Nice job Plasmo, Im not ready to hang up my Airbrush just yet, but you're making a good argument for it.

[@VeteranofthePsychicWars]

You are insanely talented. Excellent work.

[@havanadetox]

Skvely video moc se mi libi ten prechod kamuflaze.

[@Ettoredipugnar]

Great job. You should never limit your self to one medium. Bravo plasmo !!!!

[@rgbpaints4222]

You are the best! I dont have air brush so i now can use this tecnique! Thanks a lot! :)

[@DeLanScaleModels]

A really interessting way to paint an aircraft. And it looks like airbrush painted. Thanks for showing

[@paulfrantizek102]

You are a wizard. Fantastic work.

[@man_vs_life]

That was fantastic and it was nice to be able to put face to the name.

[@mikebarker7520]

This is fantastic - as a complete beginner, working with Airfix "starter sets", it is inspiring to see such great results achieved with a brush. Your videos are fantastic, great work mate!

[@lforloser7210]

Mike Barker hey man, if u do not have an airbrush i suggest watchjng the channel Quick Kits because he makes great videos without an airbrush. I started modelling around 2 months ago too haha.

[@mikebarker7520]

Thanks mate, yeah it's a great channel !

[@Holztransistor]

So much work just for a "proof of concept". Nice result. Especially because the pigments of oil colors are much finer. I've seen that Abt. 502 also has a set of flesh oil colors. I'll be buying that for my figures.

[@alesstrem]

Man, today i just got my FIRST plastic model; a Spitfire, and i was extremely scare about how to start, specially for the tons of information and details that you find online and i have to consider them before to start. With your examples, you really cheer me up to start this project without any fear, ive seen your technique and it looks not easy to learn but easy to follow. Thanks a lot.

[@michaelb3363]

Dude, NEVER be scared to try something new. No one's judging you but you, and if you were scared to start your first model, you're far too critical of yourself already. Modeling is for pleasure, and you'll get better as you go, just like with everything else that takes skill and practice. A year from now your first model will look amateurish to you no matter what you do with your new Spitfire. That's good, though! It's proof that your abilities and knowledge have advanced noticeably. I've been building on and off for over 40 years and still have so much room for improvement. I've never built a perfect model (at least by professional standards). That's okay, though, 'cause I'm not a pro. Just a guy who loves old planes and enjoys using what little artistic talent I've got. Go for it with your Spit! If you follow these videos, starting with a basic Spitfire build, you'll end up with a model that looks so much better than a typical beginner's you won't believe it. And don't be afraid to screw up! Most of those are fixable, and there's videos for that too, now! I envy you starting out with such tools at your disposal. Best of luck.

[@alesstrem]

Eric The Blue thank you so much for your words and support, I will start it during this holidays.

[@stuartharrison4421]

BRILLIANT video very informative.Would like to hve seen the finished model..still well done that man.

[@ScottEDyer]

I’ve often wondered about this and now I have the answer! Fantastic video.