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.
Such a technique requires the use of a dark base coat, which, as common sense and practice dictates, is contrary to the normal way of doing things, which is to begin the painting process with a light base coat. But there are few practical difficulties when using airbrushes to add lighter tones to dark, and it is the array of tonal variations created when using such techniques that make the ‘dark side’ of modelling so enticing. There are several terms used to describe similar techniques, and although this is not intended to be an exhaustive list, I will endeavour to explain the most commonly used terminology (see Glossary of terms).
