Painting a Backdrop Using an Airbrush: Part 5

http://modelrr.oakviewresources.com/ This is a 5 part series where I paint a test backdrop using an airbrush. It was a great learning experience for me. I definitely learned what NOT to do when I finally do paint my backdrop on my model railroad.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Model
• Railroad
• Scenery
• Hobby
• Scale
• Train
• scenery
• weathering
• track
• detailing
• arts
• crafts
• turnout
• backdrop
• painting
• model
• railroad
• tutorial
• airbrush
• airbrushing

[allexx123]

wouldn't it been easier to just photograph a real barn, make a copy and cut it out and then glue it on the backdrop ? You could make it more blurred . This painting seems like so much extra work.

[thebige61]

True, True. It's more work. I just could find a group of photos that was consistent in lighting and coloring that satisfied me. Your suggestion is not a bad way to go if you didn't want to paint the details. With the stencils I was able to get a consistent look and feel to the whole backdrop.

E

[ChrisWinterpants]

I was just curious as to the paints you used to airbrush these clouds. Are you using model railroading paints (like Polyscale) and other airbrush specific paints, or are these just thinned tube paints you used in the sponge painting series?

Thanks,

Chris

[thebige61]

A lot of the paints I used were ones we had on hand. The the brand is "Folk Art" Acrylic paint by Plaid. I use a 1:1 dilution ratio. The Poly Scale paints are pretty pricey for the amounts I'm going to need to use for the backdrop. The "Folk Art" brand is probably not designed for airbrush use but it does good enough for my needs(and won't break the bank either)

E

[svinehunden]

dont get me wrong... i love your videos...

[thebige61]

No offense taken. I'm going to be posting a new video where I rectify some of my gaffes in this video. I think the barn will come out looking much better. Stay tuned....

[DaLukaXD]

i was gonna give this guy some tips for his barn but i seen this vid was in 09 so im sure hes got better by now :D

[mrmclovin47]

why dont you use spray adhesive to hold your stencil on?

[ChrisWinterpants]

That's a great idea! I've sometimes thinned the "folk" type paints myself to brush more evenly wooden and cardboard structures. For all around variety and value, the cheap tube paints seem like a good compromise. I have no airbrush experience, but I would certainly try the tube paints if I ever purchase an airbrush. I guess polyscale and the like are better reserved for freight cars and plastic structures. At any rate, the final results of your backdrop sample are excellent.

-Chris

[kingcharles8031]

You can try GrafixArts All-Purpose Frisket Film for Airbrushing, Stenciling and Protective Covering from Michaels or any craft stores.

[ModelManTom]

No prob. Hope one works. As more stencil layers go down, the RC is likely safer on the new paint than the cont. paper, either way, let all paint cure thorough, otw you will rip that up on next pass.

Using printed pix for the BG can work, but the shine of any paper (gloss, matte, other) used will be noticeably diff. than the wall paint. This will give illusion of diff surfaces reflected in sunlight. Might not. Easily tested by hanging print on wall and staring at if for a few days. ;)

[svinehunden]

i will... cheers mate...