How to paint your model tank: Step by step for beginners

– 2024-07-26 14:18:00

10 beginner tips for painting a WWII model tank

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Paints: Acrylic or enamel paints in appropriate colors
Primers: Plastic-compatible primer in spray or brush-on form
Brushes: Various sizes including fine detail and larger flat brushes
Airbrush: Optional but recommended for smooth finishes
Thinners: Appropriate for your chosen paint type
Palette: For mixing paints
Washes: For enhancing details and weathering
Pigments: For dust and mud effects
Clear Coats: For sealing and protecting your work

Additional supplies:

Masking tape
Cotton swabs
Isopropyl alcohol for cleaning
Hobby knife
Sandpaper (various grits from 400 to 2000)
Decal setting solution

Example: For German tanks, consider MIG's RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb as your base color.

Step 2: Prepare Your Workspace

Lighting: Use a daylight lamp or work near a window for accurate color perception
Ventilation: Ensure good airflow, especially when using spray products
Surface Protection: Cover your work area with a cutting mat or disposable covering
Organization: Use a hobby organizer to keep tools and paints accessible

Step 3: Assemble the Model (Optional)

If assembling before painting:

Use plastic putty to fill seams and gaps
Sand smooth, starting with 400 grit and progressing to 1000 or 2000 for a polished finish
Clean the model thoroughly with soap and water, then isopropyl alcohol

Step 4: Prime the Model

Primer Selection: Choose a color that complements your base coat. Grey is versatile for most projects.
Application Technique:
- Spray Primer: Apply in light, even coats from 20-25cm away
- Brush-On Primer: Use thin, even strokes in a single direction
Tips:
- Apply 2-3 thin coats, allowing each to dry completely
- Sand lightly between coats for an ultra-smooth finish

Example: MIG One Shot Primer provides excellent coverage and adhesion.

Step 5: Base Coat

Color Selection: Research the specific vehicle you're modeling for historical accuracy.
Application:
- Airbrush: Thin paint according to manufacturer's recommendations
- Brush: Thin slightly for smoother application
Technique:
- Airbrush: Build up color in thin, overlapping layers
- Brush: Use long, even strokes, and multiple thin coats
Examples:
- For a late-war German tank: Use Dunkelgelb (dark yellow)
- For a Soviet T-34: Use 4BO Russian Green

Example: MIG's Russian Green is historically accurate for Soviet tanks.

Step 6: Shading and Highlighting

Shading:
- Create a wash by thinning dark paint with water or medium
- Apply to recesses and panel lines
- Remove excess with a damp brush or cotton swab
Highlighting:
- Mix your base color with a lighter shade
- Dry brush or airbrush on raised areas and edges
- Build up highlights gradually for a natural look
Advanced Technique: Use filters to subtly alter the tone of large areas

Example: Brown Wash is excellent for German Dark Yellow vehicles.

Step 7: Camouflage

Pattern Research: Consult historical photographs or reference books for authentic patterns
Application Methods:
- Airbrush: Use low pressure and build up colors gradually
- Brush: Use stippling or feathering techniques for soft edges
- Masking: Use putty or liquid mask for hard-edged patterns
Colors: Choose historically accurate colors for your specific vehicle and time period

Example: For a late-war German tank, use MIG Olivgrün and Schokobraun for camouflage.

Step 8: Details

Tools and Equipment:
- Paint tools in appropriate metal and wood tones
- Use a fine brush and steady hand for precision
Tracks:
- Paint in a dark metal color, then dry brush with rust and dust tones
- Consider using metallic pigments for a realistic worn metal look
Markings:
- Apply decals or hand-paint insignia and tactical numbers
- Use decal setting solution for a painted-on look

Example: MIG produces a "WWII German Tool Colors" set specifically for these details.

Step 9: Weathering

Washes: Apply dark washes to recesses and around details to enhance depth
Dry Brushing: Use lighter shades of your base and camouflage colors to highlight raised areas
Chipping:
- Sponge on small amounts of a darker color for paint chips
- Use a fine brush to add larger chips or scratches
Dust and Mud:
- Apply pigments to lower areas of the tank
- Use a mixture of pigments and matte medium for mud texture
Rust and Stains:
- Add rust effects to exposed metal areas
- Create stains and streaks with thinned oil paints

Example: MIG's Earth pigment can simulate dust and mud effectively.

Step 10: Seal the Model

Clear Coat Selection: Choose between matte, satin, or gloss finish based on your desired final look
Application:
- Spray in light, even coats
- Allow each coat to dry fully before applying the next
Tips:
- Test your clear coat on a spare part to ensure compatibility with your paints
- Apply in a dust-free environment to avoid particles settling in the finish

Example: MIG Ultra Matt Lucky Varnish provides a realistic, non-reflective finish.

Final Thoughts

Take your time and enjoy the process
Photograph your work at each stage to track your progress
Don't be afraid to experiment with new techniques on practice pieces

By following this expanded guide and incorporating the examples, you'll be well-equipped to create a beautifully detailed and historically accurate WWII model tank. Remember, practice makes perfect, and each model is an opportunity to refine your skills.

Florian Fendt

Florian discovered his passion for modelling as a teenager and quickly developed a talent for precise work and attention to detail. Today, he is an experienced model maker at Torro, specialising in historic vehicles. He shares his knowledge and experience to inspire and support modelling enthusiasts worldwide.

Contact Florian Fendt