Scale models and tiny figures come to life through the creative and fulfilling hobby of staining models with acrylic paints. Because of their bright colors, ease of application, and versatility, acrylic paints are a favorite among modelers. The aesthetic appeal of your models can be greatly improved by learning the technique of acrylic staining, regardless of your level of experience as a hobbyist.
Applying thin, translucent paint layers to models is the process of staining them in order to achieve highlights, shadows, and depth. Using this method, you can give your models realistic effects and minute details. Acrylic paints work particularly well for this because they are water-soluble, dry quickly, and blend easily to create unique shades.
It’s crucial to appropriately prepare your model before beginning. In order to guarantee that the paint sticks properly, clean the surface to get rid of any dust or oil, then prime it. For the best results, use premium acrylic paints and brushes. To control the opacity and flow of your paints and to enable you to build up layers gradually, thin your paints with water or acrylic medium.
Impressive effects can be achieved by experimenting with various techniques, such as dry brushing, washing, and glazing. While washing involves using a thin, watery paint to highlight nooks and crannies, dry brushing involves applying a small amount of nearly dry paint to highlight raised areas. A translucent layer of color is added by glazing to improve richness and depth.
Although using acrylic paints to stain models takes time and skill, the results are well worth the effort. Your model gets closer to looking like a tiny masterpiece with each layer you add. You’ll eventually create your own methods and style, which will make every model wholly original.
| Step | Description |
| 1. Choose Acrylic Paints | Select the right colors and brand for your model. Acrylic paints are versatile and easy to use. |
| 2. Prepare Your Model | Clean the model thoroughly to remove any dust or oils that might affect paint adhesion. |
| 3. Prime the Surface | Apply a primer to create a smooth base for the acrylic paint. This helps the paint stick better and look more even. |
| 4. Thin the Paint | Mix the acrylic paint with water or an acrylic medium to achieve the right consistency for smooth application. |
| 5. Apply Base Coat | Paint the entire model with a base coat. This will be the main color of your model. |
| 6. Add Details | Use fine brushes to paint details and highlights. Take your time to ensure precision. |
| 7. Seal the Paint | Once the paint is dry, apply a clear acrylic sealer to protect your work and add a professional finish. |
| 8. Clean Up | Clean your brushes and workspace to maintain your tools and keep your area ready for future projects. |
- What will be needed
- How to choose a painting method
- Video on the topic
- Fundamentals of work with a brush for beginners @gexodrom
- Modelism. The main stages of painting large -scale models. A little about ICM paint.
- How to paint a model with a brush. The most detailed guide T-34
- How to paint a model with a brush. Painting of the ISU-152 model in scale 1/72
- Is it possible to get around in modeling without an airbrush? Tips and life hacks. Painting with a brush.
- 6 things that I would like to know when I began to paint
- Painting printed models. The first attempts. Facehugger
What will be needed
The following supplies need to be ready for staining:
- paints;
- diluent;
- varnish;
- solvent;
- palette;
- brushes.
Plastic components already have a primed surface when painted with acrylics. If the process is not followed, the dye will be combined into drops and slide.
Furthermore, the primer aids in the detection of any irregularities or other flaws that are repaired, cleaned, and primed again.
It is advised to utilize compounds made specifically for polystyrene.
Water-soluble acrylic-based paints are used to stain components or final goods.
Table of Color Compliance for Various Color Brands:
| Color | Star | Tamiya | Akan | A-Model | Model Master | Humbrol |
| White | AKP – 17 | XF – 2 | 78001 | AMP – 005 | 1768 | 34 |
| Black | AKP – 20 | XF – 1 | 78003 | AMP – 016 | 1747 | 33 |
| Red | AKP – 12 | XF – 7 | 76004 | AMP – 023 | 174 | |
| Blue | AKP – 58 | XF – 8 | AMR – 055 | 1772 | 165 | |
| Green | AKR – 35 | XF – 5 | 70007 | AMR – 010 | 1764 | 76 |
| Grey | AKR – 31 | XF – 53 | 73068 | AMR – 012 | 1741 | 28 |
| Orange | AKR – 33 | X – 6 | AMR – 015 | 1527 | 18 | |
| Beige | AKR – 29 | XF – 78 | 83089 | AMR – 053 | 1709 | |
| Brown | AKR – 57 | XF – 68 | AMR – 003 | 1701 | ||
| Bodily | AKR – 53 | XF – 15 | 79000 | AMR -076 | 1516 | 63 |
| Khaki | AKR – 45 | XF – 49 | 73077 | AMR – 026 | 1712 | 159 |
| Bronze | AKR – 04 | X – 33 | 86011 | AMR – 059 | 55 | |
| Gold | AKR – 03 | X – 12 | AMR – 061 | 1744 | ||
| Brass | AKR – 37 | XF – 3 | 76025 | 1782 | ||
| Copper | AKR – 09 | XF – 6 | AMR – 015 | 1551 | ||
| Aluminum | AKR – 06 | XF – 18 | 76004 | AMR – 056 | 1781 | 27001 |
| Tree | AKR – 25 | XF – 78 | 79023 | AMR – 021 | 1735 | 110 |
| Sand | AKR – 11 | XF – 78 | AMR – 019 | 1706 | ||
| Olive | AKR – 24 | XF – 62 | AMR – 022 | 1711 | 155 | |
| Leather | AKR – 27 | XF – 57 | 79041 | AMR – 016 | 1736 | 62 |
| Rubber | XF – 10 | AMR – 016 | 1583 | |||
| Rust | Acr – 10 | XF – 9 | 76012 | AMR – 044 | 1785 | |
| Dark brown | AKR – 38 | XF – 10 | AMR – 038 | 1540 | ||
| Light brown | AKR – 15 | X – 72 | AMR – 038 | 1533 | ||
| Yellow-olive | AKR – 18 | XF – 49 | 73075 | AMR – 026 | 1716 | 94 |
| Matte black | AKR – 20 | XF – 1 | 78003 | AMR – 006 | 1749 | 33 |
| The half -machine black | AKR – 20 | X – 1 | 78004 | AMR – 006 | 1597 | 85 |
| Ivory | AKR – 17 | XF – 2 | AMR – 060 | 2709 | ||
| Gray medium | AKR – 32 | XF – 22 | 71101 | AMR – 002 | 1721 | 145 |
| Gray dark tank | AKR – 14 | XF – 24 | 71005 | AMR – 002 | 2094 | |
| Gray aviation | Acr – 23 | XF – 82 | 70016 | AMR – 017 | 1731 |
Although some models use alcohol, distilled water is typically used as an acrylic diluent.
The finished model is coated with varnish to shield it from outside influences once the dye has dried. This makes it possible for you to wash the products under a water stream afterwards without worrying about breaking them. Acrylic can only be used with specific compounds; other compounds may cause the coating to swell.
There should always be a solvent on hand when working with acrylic paints. Brushes must be soaked after use in order to be reused, and it also helps to clean errant drips from painted surfaces.
A plastic palette or other comparable containers are needed for diluting paint with water or mixing colors.
A soft pile brush with no residue is the primary tool for staining products. Use of small diameter bristles is advised to give the surface a tree-like texture. Instead of using a brush, professionals use an airbrush.
The prefabricated model will require the following tools for processing and trimming:
- Kusachki;
- special model knife;
- sandpaper of different granularity;
- Nadphil;
- putty and blade (flat screwdriver) to eliminate irregularities.
Typically, the kit comes with a tube of specialty glue to join the parts. It is advised to purchase an adhesive marked Extra Thin if it is missing.
Alcohol or a specific nail composition is used to degrease surfaces.
The desktop is covered with old newspapers or film to prevent paint stains. Additionally, a stand must be made (toothpicks can be used for this purpose) so that the model and its components are not held in the hands while staining.
- Mixing paints – rules;
- How to get the desired color when mixing the ring – a table;
- Acrylic paint kner;
- Drawing with acrylic paints;
How to choose a painting method
It is advised to practice on small models, which include pieces of multicolored plastic with stickers, before hiring an expert to paint the collection. These products only need to be glued; coloring is not necessary. After that, you can buy items that need the full surface to be designed.
The size of the workpiece determines which painting technique is used:
- Small details are painted with a brush;
- For large models, you can use airbrush.
The first choice will be less expensive. The second approach is quicker and more effective, but it costs more and is only utilized by skilled artisans. An extra compressor and hood are required for using the airbrush.
It is advised to practice using a brush on glass before designing the collection of military equipment. Use an airbrush or aerosol spray cans with the desired colors if applying paint without stains and tubercles is not possible after multiple tries.
- Paint in spray can of metal;
- Acrylic paint in spray cans;
- Black paint in a spray can;
- Gold paint;
- Chrome paint;
For enthusiasts of all skill levels, staining models with acrylic paints is a rewarding and approachable hobby. Because of their adaptability, simplicity of use, and speedy drying times, acrylic paints are preferred. Acrylics provide a multitude of options to make your models come to life, regardless of your level of experience.
The versatility of acrylic paints is one of their main benefits when it comes to different techniques. Acrylics provide a wide range of artistic expression options, from simple brushwork to sophisticated airbrushing. They are also less toxic than other paints due to their water-based composition, which makes them a safer option for hobbyists working in small areas.
You’ll discover that staining models with acrylic paints can greatly improve the realism and detail of your creations as you play around with different techniques and colors. Your models will stand out if you use techniques like layering, dry brushing, and washes to add depth and texture.
In the end, patience and practice are the keys to becoming an acrylic paint expert. It’s okay to make errors and grow from them. You’ll get more adept at handling the paint to produce the effects you want the more you experiment. Your models will be genuinely one-of-a-kind when you put in the necessary time and effort to create your own distinctive style and methods.
So grab your paints and brushes and let’s get started using acrylics to stain models. The process is just as enjoyable as the outcome, and the abilities you acquire along the way will come in handy for all of your upcoming endeavors. Have fun with your paintings!
Acrylic paints are a popular method for both hobbyists and professionals to stain models because of their versatility, vivid colors, and ease of use. Acrylic paints are perfect for creating realistic and detailed finishes on miniature models because they are water-soluble, dry quickly, and are easy to mix to create custom shades. To help you bring your creations to life, this article will walk you through the fundamentals of choosing the best acrylic paints, setting up your models, and learning different staining techniques.
