Are enamels better than acrylics for yellow propeller tips etc?

[Guest]

Not something I've used Richard, but does sound interesting. Any suggestions ?

You will find it interesting if you have a play around with scrap. I would get some sprue and paint sections matt black, toned down with a spot of light grey then paint some matt yellow up next to it. You also might want to try toning down the yellow with a bit of light grey mixed in then apply it to the sprue. Then you can either use ready made filters or you can simply make up your own. Most examples tend to be the application of spots of paint which is then dragged over the surface with a brush loaded with solvent. I have always found the spot process a bit hit and miss and end up with either the spots still showing or completely washed away. I therefore tend to cheat and mix up what is basically a slightly heavier wash and apply it all in one wet process. Again for a propeller I would use a light grey with perhaps a spot of light brown in it. If you paint this over your black and yellow sprue you will see how it seems to blend into a more realistic effect and the harsh contrast between the black and yellow will mellow. A few light chipping effects along the leading edges over both colours and the propeller will suddenly seem a lot more realistic. I can highly recommend the Mig Jiminez Weathering DVDs that John sells in the Scale Models Shop that explains washes and filters perfectly and is worth having to hand while you play.

[Guest]

I would use enamels for brush painting and weathering, but I use alcohol based acrylics (Tamiya and Gunze Sangyo) for airbrushing. Acrylic paints work fine with my Iwata Eclipse..


John

[Guest]

The Apache in general does not feature coloured tips on the main rotors Steve, and you will need to research the scheme for the tail rotors depending on which air arm you are depicting.
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I have finished researching, and it would appear you are correct Joe, thank you for the helpful tip! As I'm painting it British Army AAC there in fact no rotor markings at all!


I appreciate the help. Hope I can ask you further questions on colour and markings in the future!


Steve