1:72 F-35B Lightning II surface panels

F-35B surface panels masking set 1:72 (Eduard)

This set from the manufacturer Eduard solves something different from ordinary glazing masks: it contains templates for surface panel areas that on the real aircraft differ slightly in color from the surrounding finish. You stick them onto an already sprayed model, spray over them with a differing shade, and once they are off a precisely bounded area with a sharp edge is left. It is not a kit and not model parts.

Why the panels are masked

The surface of the F-35 is divided into areas with a different surface treatment, which in photographs stand out as lighter and darker patches within an otherwise uniform gray finish. Drawing these areas by hand is lengthy and on a model in 1:72 scale it practically never achieves a straight edge. A ready-made template cuts the job down to a few minutes and keeps the shapes in line with the real subject.

Use

• Let the base shade cure completely, because fresh paint lifts easily from under a mask.
• Mix the differing shade with only a small difference, literally a drop of lighter or darker gray; a strong contrast looks unnatural.
• Spray straight on and very thinly, otherwise a step forms at the edge that is immediately noticeable in a small scale.
• Take the masks off gradually and in sections so that you keep control over the result.
• Finally even out the whole surface with a matte clear coat, which naturally softens the difference between the areas.

Who the set is for

For modelers who want a broken-up surface on a modern combat aircraft without drawing it by hand, and for those who are building a model for a display case or a competition and care about a believable look to the finish.

This is a modeling accessory. The kit, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.