I've been using airbrushes for years but this was probably the best most concise intro to airbrushing I've seen. Most experts use more technical lingo and expect the audience to catch up. You explained that in perfect laymans terms.
I don't know about airbrush and 'special' paint. What works for me is ordinary glue for wood (Elmer's glue, gorila glue...). Thin coat, and then after good drying - it can be painted with any spray (even acetone based!). What is more exciting, wood glue can be mixed with pigment for wals, or any other water based pigments. Plus, final coat over the paint - and it can be polished with paper towel to really glossy surfaces. Okay, all paints add weight, but my method is simpler (I mean, available) and cheaper. Did not tried to add polyurethane over the paper covered foam, but direct contact with foam may disolve it (at least one brand I have).
Thanks for this tip and did give you a thumbs up. Want to do some 1/35th scale zombie dioramas using foam board for the buildings and wondered how I was going to seal the paper/foam. Maybe you should come out with some how to videos.
Yes, good idea. Aside my other videos on my channel about quadcopters, 3D printing, electronic, programming, painting, and other zillion things... why not. Thank you!
Great tips! I've done airbrushing on foam for non-rc aircraft but I have had another good trick when doing it. If do the coating you can actually use water as well to thin the paint. The amount of water depends on how thick of a paint you buy. Thats when its great to make small samples with the base paints to find that right mixture. I also found it to make cleaning the air brush easier.
I am working on a couple of planes now. The main one is my A-10, 64mm 2 duct. I have modified for flaps and will be putting in retracts. Once finished it will be heavily altered from original. This paint video has cleared up a lot for me and I thank you for it. I have an air brush setup and will be using it to lay down the final design on my project. Thanks again for all the good info that you have passed on.
Love the channel and the vids guys! As a Canadian with 34 years in full scale military a/c maintenance, I would love to see DeHavilland aircraft modeled in an affordable way. I'm a total R/C rookie but would love to see aircraft like the Chipmunk, Otter, Caribou and especially the Buffalo modeled. All amazing fliers that have stood the test of time. Just throwing out ideas! Keep up the great and entertaining work. Frank
Another good way to lay down camouflage lines is to stretch Silly Putty into a long thin strand and use it to shape the line. You can move the line around until you're happy , and then lightly press it into place. Add tape to cover the area you don't want painted. There's a lot of good tips from the scale modeling community. Thanks for the video.
@1:35 - Final Weight =116 lbs. After 2 years that still cracks me up & never gets old. Some of us miss Chad as well as David....how about a cameo appearance now and then?
Back in the day, I used shelf paper to make up stencils for painting. It uses a low tack that holds it down, but it releases easily and has less tendency to pull up lower layers. It also comes in rolls large enough for most projects. Assuming, of course, that it's still available. It has been some years.
great vid!!! if you don't use the minwax I found out that if you use light coats of paint from walmart, get some 400 grit or higher sand paper and sand the paint each coat until its slick enough for you!!! I have use this many time but I have only used solid layouts. The sand paper helps with all the over spray you get from holding the can so far away during each coat!!! Hope this helps some people, keep the planes coming.
Thanks! Wanted this episode since that first FT Fliers with a great paintjob. BTW, there are tons of articles on painting tech on scale model forums too.
At about the 1:03 mark it is stated not to use the water base MinWax; I have used it on foam board several times with excellent results. Just do very light coats with a "foam brush" applicator; I usually do 3 light coats prior to painting. The water base dries very quickly and has practically no odor, just don't get much on the applicator and spread it thin and even.
I've been waiting for this ever since the teaser on the Spitfire vid! My first DTFB painting attempt on my FT Biplane resulted on with a few paper bubbles,,,not enough to ruin it,,,but I'm amazed how you were able to slather on the polyurethane with a brush and not draw up the paper! Sweet,,,now I can build my FT Spits!
Thanks for the suggestion to strain. I use the same paints and thinner, and while I haven't had an issue w/ solids in the paint yet, good to have a solution ready!. Come to think of it, I have the same airbrush too! :-)
I just got through painting my old Fogey with Minwax exactly like Chad did and the paper on the foam started peeling off and puffs are everywhere. I used the correct Minwax (not water based) and brushed it on with an even coat, but not a heavy coat and any excess was removed. I am wondering if the type of foam has changed because now the FT Old Fogey I have can't get put together? ?
Another tip that may help people with their paint jobs. After you finish your paint job, spray a lite coat of S C Johnson "Pledge Future Floor Finish" through your air brush over the paint job. It will preserve and protect the paint. Not my idea, found it on another forum and have used it and it works!
Very thorough, easy to follow and all around excellent presentation. I was searching for exactly this for a naked foamie I love but can't stand the raw styro look and was afraid it would end up becoming a pile of goo...lol Thank you so much for this and great work.
why is it important to use oil-based and not water-based polyurethane? does the same apply for polycrylic (being as that it is not PU)? All I hear and see from other hobbyist in videos and posts online is to use the water-based polycrylic.
Vaspar or krylon makes a small can of touch-up paint that can be used on dollar tree foam without melting the foam. Sometimes you can get the small cans for $1.00 at Michaels Sorry, I don't remember the name.
You can also use my favorite...Windshield washer fluid. The methyl alcohol in it work perfectly to thin cheap Walmart , Michaels or Hobby-Lobby acrylic paints. I use two parts paint and one part WWF...then strain it through cheesecloth by putting cheesecloth under lid of storage bottle....a VERY important step. Harbour Freight has a great dual action brush for cheap.......The tip about the standard minwax is priceless!..I use Waterbase clear polycrylic as tough , glossy last coat
If it is available in your area, I would recommend Blue "Painters Tape" it is designed to tack down well but is easier to remove than plain Masking tape... You can find it in most hardware stores at a good price, and many 3D printer companies also carry it (at outrageous prices).
Just super curious about this airbrushing: Are you guys going over the packing tape you use on these builds? Does the finish last in that application very well? Also, if you arent how are the posterboard sections attatched?
I've been waiting for this one great stuff, many useful tips. might start to look for an old airbrush. Here's a tip you want a little more dihedral ? Paint the top of the wing black and leave it in the sun. It will curle up quick. Watch how much you paint it.
hey guys I have a question and maybe you guys can help, I have a multiplex funman which is build with elapor foam and I want to paint it like a navy/marines scheme (obviously nothing historically accurate) because I have decals from an old corsair kit that will fit. can I paint the foam with Tamiya acrylics or is there something that will work better?
Nice Vid Chad, thx for the tips, I especially like the one where you stress testing on scrap first, and how to mix more than enough, preparation is paramount in any Paint Project, as it's obvious in those awesome Paints you do, Some Nicely done Aircraft, thx for sharing... :)
No need to be shy about your cammo-job on the Spitfire: it had MANY different cammo liveries- I'm sure you nailed one of them, anyway! Overall: BEAUTIFUL job!
And old painting tip from the old days: instead of masking with masking tape, use freezer tape--it's doesn't have so much stick, so it won't pull up the paint underneath so much. Also, once the tape is down, run a fingernail along the edge, making sure it's tight to the surface, then mist lightly with a clear coat along the tape edge. Then shoot color, and pull the tape up (pulling back along itself to cut the paint sharply) before it cures completely.
Be meticulous. Freezer tape for a sharp edge, shoot colors light to dark, and let a layer cure before shooting another layer. Get a tack cloth, and use it before shooting.
The spatter is from not keeping your air flow on. If you stop air, then hit it again without cutting off the paint. You will get spatter. That is basically a disciplined learning curve to fix that issue. Also, dry tip can cause an issue as well. Also be careful with the windex. It has ammonia in it and can remove your chrome coat from the airbrush. Mainly the bowl type bushes.
Lunhill 12: That is an excellent method. I use it to great affect. Just a tip that I didn't know on my first attempt. Press the edges down FIRMLY. I had a lot of bleeding underneath. Do not use Play-Doh. Just don't. I know.
The Does the minwax help the paper from not coming off the foam? I recently bought the mighty mini sporster, but the paper was delaminating and flite test sent me a new one. Please let me know! Thanks
Chad you are a goof HAHAHA, You cracked me up at the end, Another great video and very helpful info now I can paint my planes and the other guys at the field can quit ribbing me about my " paper planes". Thank you and keep up the great work
Never thought of that, thanks :) Do you also know a replacement for the fiber reinforced tape? I use that on critical areas like the wing joints on a polyhedral wing...
I was in a simular boat, couldn't find fibre tape anywhere and fleabay seemed expensive, so got desparate and emailed 3M sales and they pointed me in the direction of a local distributor so not only did i get the handy 28mm (or w/e the actaul size is) but also was able to obtain the 48mm stuff and a choice in crosshatch and linear fibres
Floyd Dameron build a “duct box” from the AC section of the hardware store. Or a heavy insulated cardboard box. Make sure you have ventilation so it won’t overheat.
Minwax makes a wipe on oil based polyurethane that doesn't go on too thick, has good control, and works beautifully. It comes in gloss or satin. Personally, I LOVE the stuff.
Thanks so much for the Minwax tip! Great stuff.
I've been using airbrushes for years but this was probably the best most concise intro to airbrushing I've seen. Most experts use more technical lingo and expect the audience to catch up. You explained that in perfect laymans terms.
NOT
I don't know about airbrush and 'special' paint. What works for me is ordinary glue for wood (Elmer's glue, gorila glue...). Thin coat, and then after good drying - it can be painted with any spray (even acetone based!). What is more exciting, wood glue can be mixed with pigment for wals, or any other water based pigments. Plus, final coat over the paint - and it can be polished with paper towel to really glossy surfaces.
Okay, all paints add weight, but my method is simpler (I mean, available) and cheaper. Did not tried to add polyurethane over the paper covered foam, but direct contact with foam may disolve it (at least one brand I have).
Thank you :) this comment just helped me big time!
erica matty You welcome. Just press 'thumb up' to keep my previous coment on top - if it helps you, it may helps to other people too.
Helped me too! Cheers!
Thanks for this tip and did give you a thumbs up. Want to do some 1/35th scale zombie dioramas using foam board for the buildings and wondered how I was going to seal the paper/foam. Maybe you should come out with some how to videos.
Yes, good idea. Aside my other videos on my channel about quadcopters, 3D printing, electronic, programming, painting, and other zillion things... why not. Thank you!
UK translations... Windex = Windowlene, Minwax = Ronseal Mattcoat Clear Varnish (not quick drying version)
lmao
Great tips! I've done airbrushing on foam for non-rc aircraft but I have had another good trick when doing it. If do the coating you can actually use water as well to thin the paint. The amount of water depends on how thick of a paint you buy. Thats when its great to make small samples with the base paints to find that right mixture. I also found it to make cleaning the air brush easier.
I am working on a couple of planes now. The main one is my A-10, 64mm 2 duct. I have modified for flaps and will be putting in retracts. Once finished it will be heavily altered from original. This paint video has cleared up a lot for me and I thank you for it. I have an air brush setup and will be using it to lay down the final design on my project. Thanks again for all the good info that you have passed on.
Love the channel and the vids guys! As a Canadian with 34 years in full scale military a/c maintenance, I would love to see DeHavilland aircraft modeled in an affordable way. I'm a total R/C rookie but would love to see aircraft like the Chipmunk, Otter, Caribou and especially the Buffalo modeled. All amazing fliers that have stood the test of time.
Just throwing out ideas! Keep up the great and entertaining work.
Frank
Another good way to lay down camouflage lines is to stretch Silly Putty into a long thin strand and use it to shape the line. You can move the line around until you're happy , and then lightly press it into place. Add tape to cover the area you don't want painted. There's a lot of good tips from the scale modeling community. Thanks for the video.
@1:35 - Final Weight =116 lbs.
After 2 years that still cracks me up & never gets old.
Some of us miss Chad as well as David....how about a cameo appearance now and then?
+Haywood Jablomy ikr lmao
Back in the day, I used shelf paper to make up stencils for painting. It uses a low tack that holds it down, but it releases easily and has less tendency to pull up lower layers. It also comes in rolls large enough for most projects. Assuming, of course, that it's still available. It has been some years.
Hi flitetest! If you want very soft lines for your camo, you can in fact use bluetac! I use it on plastic models, and it's great!
Robin
great vid!!! if you don't use the minwax I found out that if you use light coats of paint from walmart, get some 400 grit or higher sand paper and sand the paint each coat until its slick enough for you!!! I have use this many time but I have only used solid layouts. The sand paper helps with all the over spray you get from holding the can so far away during each coat!!! Hope this helps some people, keep the planes coming.
Thanks!
Wanted this episode since that first FT Fliers with a great paintjob.
BTW, there are tons of articles on painting tech on scale model forums too.
At about the 1:03 mark it is stated not to use the water base MinWax; I have used it on foam board several times with excellent results. Just do very light coats with a "foam brush" applicator; I usually do 3 light coats prior to painting. The water base dries very quickly and has practically no odor, just don't get much on the applicator and spread it thin and even.
Windex - works great on glass also. Great vid! Very helpful tips on finishing.
Chad ; You did a great job on your painting video! Thanks!
Fantastic video Chad, was waiting for this one and enjoyed you sharing your knowledge with us. Thank you.
I've been waiting for this ever since the teaser on the Spitfire vid! My first DTFB painting attempt on my FT Biplane resulted on with a few paper bubbles,,,not enough to ruin it,,,but I'm amazed how you were able to slather on the polyurethane with a brush and not draw up the paper! Sweet,,,now I can build my FT Spits!
Great show! You guys need to be on TV already!
If you add a stainless steel ball bearing to the jar, it will help keep the paint more liquid..
Lol
Nice video. Lot's of good information, Even for someone that thought they new a little bit about painting. thanks again.
Awesome vid, thanks for taking the time to make this one!!!
Good video Chad. An interesting introduction to spray painting.
Looking forward to building the Spitfire as my first scratch built! Thanks for the painting tips.
Thank you for the masking tape stencil idea!
Thanks for the suggestion to strain. I use the same paints and thinner, and while I haven't had an issue w/ solids in the paint yet, good to have a solution ready!. Come to think of it, I have the same airbrush too! :-)
Great tips. If you have a PNP plane with no paper would you also use the polyurethane?
thanks chad good tips i been look at starting this and i think you just gave me the inspiration
Bunnings warehouse at one point stocked minwax - for those in Australia
I just got through painting my old Fogey with Minwax exactly like Chad did and the paper on the foam started peeling off and puffs are everywhere. I used the correct Minwax (not water based) and brushed it on with an even coat, but not a heavy coat and any excess was removed. I am wondering if the type of foam has changed because now the FT Old Fogey I have can't get put together? ?
I could be wrong but i think its the ammonia in the windex that helps it dry faster.
you should do a show on how to hold your transmitter because some people pinch the stiks and and others put their thumbs on top so im lost thanks
For a softer controlled edge, use cardboard templates. Makes for awesome camo!
I'm STILL looking for that plane!
Another tip that may help people with their paint jobs. After you finish your paint job, spray a lite coat of S C Johnson "Pledge Future Floor Finish" through your air brush over the paint job. It will preserve and protect the paint. Not my idea, found it on another forum and have used it and it works!
does min-wax semi gloss work the best or should we try flat?
Very thorough, easy to follow and all around excellent presentation. I was searching for exactly this for a naked foamie I love but can't stand the raw styro look and was afraid it would end up becoming a pile of goo...lol Thank you so much for this and great work.
why is it important to use oil-based and not water-based polyurethane? does the same apply for polycrylic (being as that it is not PU)? All I hear and see from other hobbyist in videos and posts online is to use the water-based polycrylic.
Vaspar or krylon makes a small can of touch-up paint that can be used on dollar tree foam without melting the foam. Sometimes you can get the small cans for $1.00 at Michaels Sorry, I don't remember the name.
Brilliant tips! Great video, thanks!
You can also use my favorite...Windshield washer fluid. The methyl alcohol in it work perfectly to thin cheap Walmart , Michaels or Hobby-Lobby acrylic paints. I use two parts paint and one part WWF...then strain it through cheesecloth by putting cheesecloth under lid of storage bottle....a VERY important step. Harbour Freight has a great dual action brush for cheap.......The tip about the standard minwax is priceless!..I use Waterbase clear polycrylic as tough , glossy last coat
Another great show, you guys do a great job, please keep it up!
I did find the MinWax PU yellows the paper on $TFB. It won't stay white once you use this.
awsome video. glad you addressed this subject. i really did not want to tape the entire plane up.
Ok,so..can the Polyuerathane be applied after the foam pieces have been assembled, say,the curved pieces,without damaging them?
can i spray paint over they tape from the turtle deck
If it is available in your area, I would recommend Blue "Painters Tape" it is designed to tack down well but is easier to remove than plain Masking tape... You can find it in most hardware stores at a good price, and many 3D printer companies also carry it (at outrageous prices).
How do you get the extra minwax off exactly? A towel, dry brush, human hair.... I can't find the video you referenced to check it either.
I just subscribed because of this video! Really well done! Great tips...
final weight 116 lbs LOL! thanks for the info
lmao
so, one isn't painting directly onto foam itself but the foam paper on the outer coat of plane that then was applied miniwax etc.
Final weight 116 LBS. Nice! Excellent tips. Could you use Min wax with an airbrush?
Thank you very much. If I want to paint on a foam core board with normal artist brushes, do I need to prime the foam board with gesso first please?
How well does F.T. Foam Board accept Rattle Can Aerosol Paint.
How do I print the plans to scale for the scratch builds
Another great video guys
Thats why you guys are the best! Thanks for the video.
how are you wiping off the minwax poly? cheescloth, paper towel, brush?
did you try using straight ammonia instead of windex?
Great info...where do you by the paint for this??
Just super curious about this airbrushing: Are you guys going over the packing tape you use on these builds? Does the finish last in that application very well? Also, if you arent how are the posterboard sections attatched?
I've been waiting for this one great stuff, many useful tips. might start to look for an old airbrush. Here's a tip you want a little more dihedral ? Paint the top of the wing black and leave it in the sun. It will curle up quick. Watch how much you paint it.
How do you fuel proof a foam wing?
could you put rustoleum neverwet on the plane so fly it in the rain?
So the min was oil based. What about that air brush paint? Oil or water? Or was it acrylic?
Have you tried tinting the poly (any paint stores can probably do this) and then thinning with naptha for spraying?
I've been waiting for this video! Thanks so much!
What is the problem with using the waterbased miniwax?
Please let me know what. Make is the SPREY BRUSH .
Why don't use the water based Minwax? 1:04
So I can brush polyurethane onto my epo wing and then let it dry and simple spray paint over it? I don't need any paper or what not?
hey guys I have a question and maybe you guys can help, I have a multiplex funman which is build with elapor foam and I want to paint it like a navy/marines scheme (obviously nothing historically accurate) because I have decals from an old corsair kit that will fit. can I paint the foam with Tamiya acrylics or is there something that will work better?
did you use airbrush paint for polycarbonate paint? after you applied the minwax polyurethane ofcourse.
this is the episode I was waiting for,,hard finishing foamboard!
thanks!
Does the min wax affect the way the wings fold when you building the plane?
Nice Vid Chad, thx for the tips, I especially like the one where you stress testing on scrap first, and how to mix more than enough, preparation is paramount in any Paint Project, as it's obvious in those awesome Paints you do, Some Nicely done Aircraft, thx for sharing... :)
No need to be shy about your cammo-job on the Spitfire: it had MANY different cammo liveries- I'm sure you nailed one of them, anyway!
Overall: BEAUTIFUL job!
Is old fogy at the store?
So did you put minwax on the plane before using the airbrush too, or was that just for spray cans?
So what airbrush paint ?
what kind of paint are you using are they water base
What aerography do you use?
I live in Spain so I can't get Minwax!! Any idea what it is, an oil, varnish, wax or what?? Or even a spanish version??
Good to see Chad also presenting.
And old painting tip from the old days: instead of masking with masking tape, use freezer tape--it's doesn't have so much stick, so it won't pull up the paint underneath so much. Also, once the tape is down, run a fingernail along the edge, making sure it's tight to the surface, then mist lightly with a clear coat along the tape edge. Then shoot color, and pull the tape up (pulling back along itself to cut the paint sharply) before it cures completely.
Be meticulous. Freezer tape for a sharp edge, shoot colors light to dark, and let a layer cure before shooting another layer. Get a tack cloth, and use it before shooting.
The spatter is from not keeping your air flow on. If you stop air, then hit it again without cutting off the paint. You will get spatter. That is basically a disciplined learning curve to fix that issue.
Also, dry tip can cause an issue as well.
Also be careful with the windex. It has ammonia in it and can remove your chrome coat from the airbrush. Mainly the bowl type bushes.
Lunhill 12: That is an excellent method. I use it to great affect. Just a tip that I didn't know on my first attempt. Press the edges down FIRMLY. I had a lot of bleeding underneath. Do not use Play-Doh. Just don't. I know.
All the inks of createx can be applied in styrofoam? The minwax pu does not melt the styrofoam?
I plan on painting a small rc plane but it needs detail, it's a zero. Will model paint be ok?
The Does the minwax help the paper from not coming off the foam? I recently bought the mighty mini sporster, but the paper was delaminating and flite test sent me a new one. Please let me know! Thanks
Where can I find the bf109 foam kit?
Chad you are a goof HAHAHA, You cracked me up at the end, Another great video and very helpful info now I can paint my planes and the other guys at the field can quit ribbing me about my " paper planes". Thank you and keep up the great work
Try using drafting masking tape since it has lower adhesion and is therefore less likely to pull the first color off the model.
Never thought of that, thanks :) Do you also know a replacement for the fiber reinforced tape? I use that on critical areas like the wing joints on a polyhedral wing...
I was in a simular boat, couldn't find fibre tape anywhere and fleabay seemed expensive, so got desparate and emailed 3M sales and they pointed me in the direction of a local distributor so not only did i get the handy 28mm (or w/e the actaul size is) but also was able to obtain the 48mm stuff and a choice in crosshatch and linear fibres
How loud is the pump from Harbor Freight? Could I use it in an apartment without annoying the neighbors?
- Floyd
anything like the one I have no problem at all
Floyd Dameron build a “duct box” from the AC section of the hardware store. Or a heavy insulated cardboard box. Make sure you have ventilation so it won’t overheat.
Heyy j can't find BF109 build video if it's out here link please. thanks
can you please make a swappable float plane please?
Minwax makes a wipe on oil based polyurethane that doesn't go on too thick, has good control, and works beautifully. It comes in gloss or satin. Personally, I LOVE the stuff.
Great info on painting. thanks young man.
Did the airplane with 116 lbs of paint flew?
Hobby king has a single action airbrush for $6 and it works really good