How to apply decals to Plastic Model Aircraft

Plastic Model Aircraft Essentials- applying decals

Another really good tutorial worth watching.

Some very helpful tips and tricks inside that will help the beginner and even more experienced modellers to enhance their techniques and models!

Plastic Model Aircraft Basics

How to get into building plastic model aircraft

Some extremely valuable tricks & tips inside that will help the beginner and maybe even more advanced modellers to further enhance their techniques and models.

Don't miss this excellent tutorial

Plastic Model Aircraft - Buying and Assembling

A scale model is actually a copy or a representation of an item or object that is smaller or larger as compared to its actual or original size. Mostly, it is a smaller representation and serves as a guide to the original object. Scale model airplanes are an archetypal example. There are many reasons why a scale model is made. It serves as a prototype and is used to test the performance of the object in its initial developmental stages. Architects use them as a display model for customers to evaluate and purchase the real object. Salesmen use them for the purpose of new product promotion.

Wood, plastic and paper are generally used to create a scale model. Scale model airplanes are of two types: static and flying. The former is generally made of plastic. However, metal, paper and wood also make good models. Military aircraft and commercial airliners are the most common scale models in this type. The number of manufacturers of the static type has dwindled today as compared to the 1970s and the popular scales are 1:144, 1:72 (the highest), 1:48, 1:32 and finally 1:24.


Modeling of static airplanes includes kit assembly, scratch building and finally a collection or repertoire of ready-made models. When it comes to craftsmanship and skill, scratch building deserves the highest repute. Accuracy and keenness to details are important skills here and scratch builders take more time than kit assemblers. Kit assemblers could either assemble from the materials available in the box or make use of additional items purchased to render functionality and dimension to the airplane. Collectors on the other hand, focus on the issue of theme and not on personal construction.

Flying scale models or 'aeromodelling' could either be free flight or control line or radio controlled. They are actually a realistic representation of a full blown airplane. They can either be built from kits or from scratch. Some of these kits take a long time to assemble and some are ready to fly or almost ready. Scale modeling of airplanes has grown from a business perspective to a hobby. Although, some people are not inclined towards this area of interest, there are many who are passionate about assembling model airplanes.

The assembler must possess a lot of patience, artistic ability and creativity and also, more importantly, have an inherent interest in airplanes and modeling them. The golden rule before assembling is to do ample research on the original aircraft. Model kit references like photos, documentation, markings, details, color scheme, pilot and modifications must be considered along with the list of items required like glue, paint, thinner, decal setting solution etc. Instructions must be carefully read through and the sequence followed as prescribed.

Although some effects are quite complex to achieve in the first instance, some amount of time and practice help in mastering these techniques. Capturing the feel of a renowned aircraft in a smaller form is both exciting and rewarding. Some popular kits brands of scale model airplanes include Plantraco Microflight RC, Megatech, Ikarus etc.

Airbrushing Plastic Model Aircraft

How to Airbrush Plastic Model Aircraft

A good movie worth viewing.

Very useful tricks inside that will help the beginner and even advanced modellers to further enhance their skills and plastic aircraft models!

How to Build a Plastic Model Aircraft

Plastic model airplane building is a hobby that appeals to a wide variety of people and age groups. From the youngster building his or her holiday gift to the veteran re-creating a piece of history. Following the basic instructions is generally a good place to start, but there is a whole world of knowledge beyond the instructions. Here are some tips for creating a better-looking model:

Wash the parts first. The parts are made by injection molding, and are covered with a release agent to help un-stick them from the mold. This agent will prevent paint from sticking well to your model. Wash the parts in soap and water, then air dry. You can use a hair dryer to help.

Cockpit. Assemble and paint the cockpit next. The cockpit will be permanently enclosed within the fuselage halves, and will be nearly impossible to paint later.

Minimize glue. Use only a thin line of glue on each side of the fuselage, or each side of the wing. Use only a dab to attach small parts. You can apply the glue with a pin to have better control over the amount of glue. Excess glue gets onto the surface of the model and creates lumps which must be cleaned up with sandpaper.


Alignment. Take care to line up the wings and tail relative to the fuselage. A crooked airplane is easy to spot. Use tape to hold the larger pieces together to check the alignment, before you apply glue.

Gap Filling. Sometimes after gluing there will be gaps between pieces. A gap between the fuselage halves, or where the wing joins the fuselage, is common and easy to spot. Fill these gaps with putty, or with cyanoacrylate glue (super glue). When the filler is dry, smooth with sandpaper.

Paint with Brush. If painting by brush, get at least 3 sizes (wide, medium and fine). Try not to overlap your brush strokes, or repaint an area that is still wet. Wait until the paint is dry then apply another coat if necessary. After painting, clean your brushes thoroughly with the recommended thinner, and store them upright in an old cup.

Spray Cans. Paint delivered by spray can will give a smoother finish than the brush. Cans cool down as they are used which causes the paint flow to slow down. Place the can in warm (not hot) water for ten (10) minutes or so to fix this.

Airbrush. The airbrush is the ultimate tool for painting model airplanes. It is like a spray can with much more control. The air pressure and paint volume can be controlled (in some types, simultaneously) allowing the user to paint fine lines at will. If you plan to keep building models, it is a worthwhile investment.

Canopy. The clear plastic canopy has frames that need to be painted. This can be done with a fine point brush and a steady hand. A better option is to use masking tape to cover the canopy, then use a sharp hobby knife blade to cut and remove tape from the frame portions. Then paint, and after drying remove the remaining tape.

Gloss Coat for Decals. The water-slide decals (markings) that come with the kit will look much better if applied onto a gloss surface. A clear gloss overcoat should be applied, then after drying apply decals.

Flat Coat. If the airplane has a naturally flat (matt, non-glossy) surface, then after applying decals, paint with a flat clear coat.

Apply Decals to Plastic Model Aircraft

How Apply Decals to Plastic Model Aircraft 

Some extremely valuable tips inside that will help beginners and even experienced modellers to enhance their modelling techniques and plastic aircraft models!

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Plastic Model Aircraft Painting

An Introduction to Plastic Model Aircraft Painting

Some very useful ideas inside that will help the beginner and possibly even more advanced modellers to improve their modeling skills and plastic aircraft models.

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