Airbrushing For Scale Modelers Book Review

By David L. Veres

Review

“Nothing improves the look of a model,” FineScale Modeler’s Aaron Skinner accurately avers, “as much as well-airbrushed paint.”

Now Skinner demystifies the process in Airbrushing For Scale Modelers.

Kalmbach’s modeling manual broadly divides into two, fact-packed parts.

The first recaps hobby “airbrushing basics” – like airbrush types, application pointers, masking and troubleshooting. Skinner sorts, for instance, single- from double-action, gravity- from siphon-feed, and internal- from external-mix.

Coverage hits crescendo in the second section. That’s where you’ll find 14 hands-on project examples. Simple, clear explanations and sequential, step-by-step project photos accompany each. Clarity clearly commands this illuminating effort!

Skinner also dutifully offers an excellent cross-section of subjects. Aircraft. Armor. A car. Even figures.

The author illustrates popular techniques, too – like pre-shading with filters, post-shading and Silly Putty masking. He shows, for instance, how to make drab, one-color finishes visually vibrant. And he does a great job of removing airbrushing’s “fear factor”!

Skinner has penned a really handy handbook. Novices will love it. But even experienced airbrushers could learn a thing or two from this beautifully produced piece. Best of all, Skinner puts airbrushing – and scale modeling – into perspective: “Now, let’s have some fun!”

Recommended!

With thanks to Kalmbach Publishing Company for the review copy.