Gentlemen/Gentlewomen, I would like some advice about creating a 'soft-edge' distinction between colors on my Flightline Corsair. I, like most, can get a sharp edge, no problem and all of my aircraft only have sharp lines. Now I gotta soften those. I have a good airbrush set up and a few skills, but do not want to reinvent the wheel. Thank in advance, LB
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Painting a Soft-Edge When Airbrushing Tri-Color Corsair
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on my freewing A-10, I free-handed the camo with the airbrush. the edge comes out pretty soft, but you can make it sharper by having the airbrush closer to the model.
Another option is to use 3M Soft Edge Foam Masking Tape, (Product #06297). This I have used on my scratchbuilt A-10 as well as the 3D printed 120mm L-39. The edge is much crisper, but still soft.2 Photos
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Originally posted by Elbee View PostGentlemen/Gentlewomen, I would like some advice about creating a 'soft-edge' distinction between colors on my Flightline Corsair. I, like most, can get a sharp edge, no problem and all of my aircraft only have sharp lines. Now I gotta soften those. I have a good airbrush set up and a few skills, but do not want to reinvent the wheel. Thank in advance, LB
They use this stuff to get soft edges on car doors and other automobile painting applications. I've probably used it for 20 years.
I'm looking at the box now. It comes in a roll in a box that you can play out and cut as you need to. I use the 13mm diameter by 50m long roll.
This would work well for the tri-color scheme or any camo pattern where you want a soft edge.
Let me know if I can be of any more help. It should be available in any good automotive paint store in town,, Amazon, or whatever.
Cheers
Dave
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Dirty Dee davegee guys thank you. You'd have to figure 3m would make the right product. DD, in the pic then, your L-39, you used the 3m there, right. Great paint on both, Sir. Good to read your voice, it is been too long. And thanks Dave. I am trying tolay down the intermediate AN 608. Funny it is almost a dead match for the primer, but I want a more faded shade and same for the AN 606. I painted the canopy frames lighter but could be too light, so I figure it might be easier to fade everything with lighter shading after putting down the actual colors. I am going with acrylics (Mig) for this airframe. First time using this method throughout, so we'll see. Best, SteveI solemnly swear to "over-celebrate" the smallest of victories.~Lucky B*st*rd~
You'll never be good at something unless you're willing to suck at it first.~Anonymous~
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Originally posted by Elbee View PostDirty Dee davegee guys thank you. You'd have to figure 3m would make the right product. DD, in the pic then, your L-39, you used the 3m there, right. Great paint on both, Sir. Good to read your voice, it is been too long. And thanks Dave. I am trying tolay down the intermediate AN 608. Funny it is almost a dead match for the primer, but I want a more faded shade and same for the AN 606. I painted the canopy frames lighter but could be too light, so I figure it might be easier to fade everything with lighter shading after putting down the actual colors. I am going with acrylics (Mig) for this airframe. First time using this method throughout, so we'll see. Best, Steve
Best,
dave
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Originally posted by davegee View Post
Sounds like a plan So, judicious use of weathering would be appropriate, IMHO.
Best, daveI solemnly swear to "over-celebrate" the smallest of victories.~Lucky B*st*rd~
You'll never be good at something unless you're willing to suck at it first.~Anonymous~
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Dirty Dee and davegee Found the 3m on A_zon, 50 meters is like a 4-lifetime supply. Do you think I could I use 0.5-0 .625 closed cell foam backer rod but then there is no adhesive edge? Also thinking maybe acupuncture needles to hold it in place. Or I am just going to have to bite the bullet and then live long enough to use it up, I suppose. That's a lot of aircraft to paint. Could be worse things. Best, LBI solemnly swear to "over-celebrate" the smallest of victories.~Lucky B*st*rd~
You'll never be good at something unless you're willing to suck at it first.~Anonymous~
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Originally posted by Elbee View Post
In looking at the reference for this totally fictional, made-up, what if livery in my mind's eye; it has fairly fresh paint. Definitely for the squadron markings. Weathering the gun ports, etc is almost a requirement, right? Faded paint is always a Pandora's box. For me it is where do you stop. Thanks for aiding in a game plan, guys. Best, LB
It is a fine line, if you decide to do some weathering. I remember a national contest that I was competing in, and the guy next to me on the flight line had a nice P-51D, about 1/4 scale or so. The problem was, he went totally overboard with the weathering. Looked awful! Looked like the plane had reentered the Earth's atmosphere instead of just normal weathering for wartime conditions. Of course, I didn't say anything to him about it. but almost worse than doing no or too little weathering, is doing TOO MUCH weathering!
Sounds like you have some pictures to go by for some ideas, so that is a good start.
Regarding the foam tape or the 3M rolls that you can buy. It is quite a bit on the roll, and I've had mine for a few years now. But I am getting to the end of the roll, so it does eventually get used up after a few projects. I like the 3M foam cylindrical foam with the line of tape that runs down the side, as you can make the patterns for the tri-color patterns by simply pressing them on to the shape you want it to be and you can adjust the angle of the airbrush through some practice to vary exactly how hard or soft you want the edges to be to your liking.
Look forward to hearing more how it is going. There are several of us here with some experience in painting techniques that you can use as a sounding board for any help we might be able to provide on your magnificent Corsair!
Cheers
Davegee
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Dirty Dee & davegee i received the foam stuff and airbrushed the starboard fuselage side with Interim AMA 608 (Ammo) and it looks spectacular. Thank you, guys, for the tip and the continued support. I'll post some pics in the Corsair thread when I have finished all the fuselage paintwork. Best, SteveI solemnly swear to "over-celebrate" the smallest of victories.~Lucky B*st*rd~
You'll never be good at something unless you're willing to suck at it first.~Anonymous~
AMA#116446
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Originally posted by Elbee View PostDirty Dee & davegee i received the foam stuff and airbrushed the starboard fuselage side with Interim AMA 608 (Ammo) and it looks spectacular. Thank you, guys, for the tip and the continued support. I'll post some pics in the Corsair thread when I have finished all the fuselage paintwork. Best, Steve
Cheers
davegee
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