Airbrush Stencils

What it is

A set of stencils for the airbrush. The stencil is laid on a surface and the paint goes through its cut-outs only, so a pattern with crisp edges is left on the model, one that is awkward and uneven to draw with a brush. The motif and the size of this item are given by the manufacturer on the packaging.

What it is suited to

Stencils are used wherever a surface is to receive a regular texture: for suggesting the grain of wood, concrete, flaking plaster or textile on the base of a diorama, on the walls of buildings and on the surfaces of vehicles. They serve equally well on figures and on terrain bases under models.

How to work with them

• lay the stencil on and hold it down over its whole area so that paint does not run under it
• spray perpendicular, from a short distance and in thin coats
• thinned paint creeps under the stencil more readily than a denser spray
• build the pattern up in several passes and let it dry between coats
• if you want to use the stencil again, clean it at once, while the paint is fresh

Painting tips

Try the spray on an offcut of plastic or on a piece of card first, so that you know how densely the paint goes through. The pattern looks more natural if you do not lay it on in one even burst but strengthen it in places and merely suggest it elsewhere. Shifting the stencil a little and giving a second light spray in a darker tone creates an impression of depth.

Terms of supply

Paints, an airbrush and a model are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.