1:32 F-4B Phantom II VF-111 Sundowners 153019, 201

DN Models 1:32 F-4B Phantom II VF-111 Sundowners

A set of painting masks from DN Models for a model of the F-4B Phantom II in 1:32 scale. It is not a decal or a kit but a set of masks with which you spray the markings straight onto the model. The set is tied to one particular aircraft of the VF-111 unit, whose serial and fuselage number the name of the item carries.

Why a mask instead of a decal

A decal always lies on the surface as a thin layer of carrier film. In the large 1:32 scale that shows particularly well: the film gleams along the edges, goes gray on a matte finish and breaks up on a busy surface. Sprayed markings, by contrast, blend into the surrounding paint, have the same degree of sheen as the rest of the finish and will take subsequent sanding, washes and pigments with no risk of peeling. On striking color schemes, where the markings make up large areas, masking is often the only way to a clean result.

Usage tips

The surface must be perfectly smooth and fully cured; do not stick a mask onto fresh paint. Lay the template down, check its position against the drawing and only then press it down all the way round, above all on the edges and in the recesses, where the paint most often bleeds under. Spray several very thin coats from the edge inwards, not straight into the edge. It is a good idea to lay white under light shades, otherwise the coat underneath shows through. Remove the mask while the paint is still slightly fresh, pulling it back at an angle across the surface rather than straight up. Finally, protect the finished markings with a coat of varnish.

Who the set is for

• Builders of the F-4B Phantom II model in 1:32 scale
• Modelers who want to spray the markings rather than stick them on
• Anyone interested in a particular aircraft of the VF-111 unit
• Those who weather a model further and need markings that stand up to washes and sanding

This is a masking set, not a model. The kit, paints and decals are not included in the package.