Designing paint schemes
 

Can anyone recommend any computer programs for laying out, editing, etc., different paint schemes on model airplanes?

Jim O

RE: Designing paint schemes
 

Jim

Paint.net works pretty well. It's free photo editing software (getpaint.net) that allows putting paint schemes on a photo of an airplane or airplane parts. A nice feature is that each segment can be placed on its own layer and then turned on/off to view different options. It's also pretty intuitive to learn to use.

RE: Designing paint schemes
 

how user friendly is it compared to photoshop 4.0?

RE: Designing paint schemes
 

what a great tip. thx!

david

RE: Designing paint schemes
 

illustrator I heard was a good program to use. but for me I draw all of my lines on paint on windows and then transfer the file to a free photoshop call Photoflitre. seems to work good

RE: Designing paint schemes
 

I always use Corel Draw and export the vector graphics for cutting the whole color sheme in making tape...

RE: Designing paint schemes
 

uuups ...

RE: Designing paint schemes
 

Thanks to all. This is going to be fun. Rainer, can you tell us more about using the vector graphics? Can it be used on the compound curves of the fuselage?

Jim O

RE: Designing paint schemes
 

Hi Rainer,

What machine do you use to cut the masking tape? Are you buying masking tape in a big flat sheet?

Cheers
Jason.

RE: Designing paint schemes
 

I buy paint mask for my vinyl cutter in 20 yard rolls from a company that supplies the sign industry. Anything I can cut in vinyl I can cut on a paint mask.

RE: Designing paint schemes
 

frisket and an airbrush for me.

RE: Designing paint schemes
 

Geez....frisket and a pounce wheel? I haven't thought of frisket since the 80's when I was doing cars (full size not rc).

RE: Designing paint schemes
 

Yes, we use a simple vinyl cutter and the masking film comes from a roll ...

When you have cut the design of e.g. one wing upper side, add a transfer ribbon on top, remove the liner and cover the complete wing with the masking film. Start at the trailing edge, some more hands are really helpful ...

Remove the transfer ribbon and then u can remove the masking film color by color. Don't discard the film you remove, you need it again, you must cover the finished part again before you start with the next color!

I will use the same procedure for my next molded wing, that should be much easier, you do not have to cover the finished parts again, because you are brushing from behind!

For the fuselage I cut only templates for the curved parts of the design and use a simple tape for the straight lines ...

It's ****y work, but the result looks great !!!

Rainer Seubert

German F3A Team Manager