Soft Panel Lines. How to?

[turbodriven]

What is your technique for applying 'soft' panel lines. I've successfully applied 'hard' panel lines by simply using a fine tip sharpie. Carefully and with a steady hand. But what about soft lines? I'm assuming an airbrush comes into play but what is the exact method?


some examples

[MarkusN]

google 'preshading' on a plastic model site. You should find lots of info.

The alternative is postshading.

And my advice is: don't overdo it. Sure, some well-weathered aircraft show some of these effects, but nothing shouts: "scale model!" louder than those shaded panel lines.

[J Morgan]

turbo,
Thte F-105 and F-15 were bothed airbrushed the same way. I first use a straightedge and pencil in the lines softly. Then low tack tape is applied against these lines. I use a double action airbrush held at an angle to softly apply paint along the lines. There is a learning curve to it but practice will pay dividends.

J

[rjarois]

as you can see, the tail is quite messy.....the canopy came out ok. like it was talked about before, use a duel action, and get distance rite. man im such a noob, but i figured i would show my messy attempt. i have a paasche-VL. randy.

[Tommy D]

turbo,
Thte F-105 and F-15 were bothed airbrushed the same way. I first use a straightedge and pencil in the lines softly. Then low tack tape is applied against these lines. I use a double action airbrush held at an angle to softly apply paint along the lines. There is a learning curve to it but practice will pay dividends.

J

J

I always knew you were good, but if your shooting those lines FREE HAND with no tape, or a stencel, then your better then good.

Your GOD!

Tommy D

[J Morgan]

Thanks Tommy, but I'm getting too old to freehand panel lines. That's why I lay the low tack tape down first and then brush at an angle across it.

J

[Tommy D]

Thanks Tommy, but I'm getting too old to freehand panel lines. That's why I lay the low tack tape down first and then brush at an angle across it.

J

Tell you what... your still GOOD and if the model detailing is an indication of age, pretty freaking young too!

Even with the tape on a good day my panel lines look more like prision stripes@!! :D

Tommy D