1:35 Airbrush Stencil: Basic numbers

1:35 Airbrush Stencil: Basic numbers - a stencil with basic numerals

This item is not a model and not a kit, but an airbrush stencil in 1:35 scale. It contains basic numerals, that is the characters for the numeric markings that appear on vehicles, buildings, boards and depot equipment. It is used by holding the stencil against the surface and applying paint through the cutout shapes. The number of characters, the dimensions and the specification of the stencil are stated on the packaging.

What the stencil is for

Numeric markings are among the details that are very hard to paint by hand. The eye is exceptionally sensitive to irregularity in numerals: a slightly varying stroke width or a tilted axis is enough to make the whole marking look amateurish. A stencil sidesteps that problem: the shape of the character is given and the modeler deals only with placement and application. Compared with decals it has one substantial advantage as well, in that the applied paint follows the texture of the surface underneath, so on a rough surface there is no glossy film and no edge of carrier film to deal with afterwards.

Usage tips

• Hold the stencil pressed against the surface over the whole area of the character, or the paint will creep underneath.
• Spray square on and in thin coats; one heavy coat is the most common cause of a blurred edge.
• Lower the pressure and move closer: less overspray means a sharper edge.
• Mask the area around the character beforehand so that overspray does not reach the neighboring surfaces.

Who the stencil is for

• Modelers of vehicles in 1:35 scale who want to apply numeric markings in paint.
• Diorama builders who mark buildings, boards and depot equipment.
• Anyone interested in an alternative to decals on rough and complex surfaces.