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Beautiful paint job. Love the feathering on the dark blue.
Thank you Robert.
Very nicely done, great paint!
Thank you Jeff.
Another great build! I can see reflections on the wings, can I ask what you used for the clear coat? I’m struggling with mine.
Thank you David.
I never use clear coat. I do buffing to enamel paints to get a shiny reflection.
Rafi, @blackmopane, do you subsequently use a matte clear over the decals after their application? 🤔
Great job, by the way! That Hellcat looks fantastic! 👏
Thank you Gary.
I stopped using any kind of clear solutions. They seal the surface and affect the paints and decals with time. While the decals may shine when applied the effect diminishes like on real aircraft.
Excellent paintwork, Rafi. I like that kit too. No drama projects.
Thank you John.
Sometimes it is nice to relax on simple build projects.
As has been noted, really excellent paintwork on this.
Thank you Tom.
Excellent build, Rafi! Painting and weathering are supreme!
Thank you Spiros!
Excellent work, truly inspiring!
Thank you Steve.
Nice!
Thank you Samo!
I read above, you don't use any clear coats at all anymore. Do you put your decals down on a glossy paint finish or a flat finish? Do your decal ever dry out and begin to peal over time, Or do they adhear that good with just setting solution? Your work is always something to aspire to, Rafi. Its very interesting to get a glimpse into your process. I always like to see what you'll be posting next. Beautiful build as always.
My method of work is to keep paint coats as thin as possible. No additional coats. I may buff the surface to create a silk shine on matt paints. Unless aircraft endure very harsh conditions, the metal shine under the camouflage is obvious. The buffing helps the decals to settle without silvering. I may use Mr. Surface solution and force the decals in place, particularly on rounded or rough surfaces. If the decals are not coated, chances are that they will last without pealing. I had to repaint decals on very few models. Yet, mostly Hasegawa and Dragon's white colors tend to yellow. Aftermarket decal sheets are usually excellent.
Having said that, I would not take a newly completed model to a competition. It takes a year or so for the decals to blend.
Wow, that aspect of the paint finish is fascinating. I have seen (and tried once) the buffing method used before with good results however the fact that you are not overcoating the decals in very interesting. I do have some 30 year old kits without overcoated decals but had vey mixed results. Always interesting to learn other tried and true methods - Thanks for detailing the methods you use
A really beautiful Hellcat, Rafi @blackmopane
Leaving the clear coats off is something I'm definitely going to try.
How do you make sure that you don't see the edges of the decals?
Thank you John.
The industry has gone a long way over the past two decades. Nowadays, newly produced have usually high quality decals. They are not thick like they used to be. The problems I have now concern mostly with decals folding because they are very thin. Specifically, Trumpeter decals may be too bright in some kits. Eduard's quality control on their decals is dodgy. Sometimes they work beautifully including the peeling and sometimes they are a total disaster, particularly with the combo kits.
Nothing like the delivery of a brand new Hellcat. Your Cat looks perfect, Rafi. Just like the photos of them being hoisted on and off at the Navy docks for PTO delivery.
Your comments about clear coats has me reevaluating my own use of them. All it takes is one subpar clearcoat to ruin what would have been a showstopper.
Thank you Eric.
Another beauty Rafi! You are a "factory!"
Thank you Greg.
More to come..
I see lots of navy planes with the colors masked so hard edges. I like that you went with soft blended edges on the colors. Seems to match many contemporary photos. I have a Hellcat waiting and I am going to go with the unmasked soft edges although my airbrush skills are not in the same league as yours. Great work.
Thank you Mark.
A masking tape with weak adhesive characteristics will let some spray in and create soft edges.