Having described how to layer paint to create tonal effects in the last tutorial, Jay Blakemore looks at how pre-shading enables modellers to enliven finishes.
Above: Using the techniques outlined in this photo-montage, modellers can create convincing tonal variations on an airframe by applying translucent layers of camouflage shades over a black base coat, as on this Kinetic 1/48 Harrier GR.3.
Pre-shading is a concept that modellers new to airbrushing often find perplexing – as with many such aspects, there is a fair degree of artistic approach involved, along with a good amount of practice.
