Painting Light On Model Tanks: A Step-By-Step Guide

Painting a light on a model tank is part of the broader process of painting the entire model. The lighting of a model tank can be approached in several ways, including the use of a complex pre-shading system, a simple plain colour without lights, or the popular zenithal lighting technique. The latter involves applying a light base layer of primer, which allows for the creation of shades and lights, and can be achieved using a zenithal highlight undercoat. When painting a light on a model tank, it is important to consider the desired level of detail, the use of complementary colours, and the creation of depth and contrast. Additionally, the size of the model tank should be taken into account, as smaller models may require a lighter colour to compensate for the reduced amount of light reflected.

Prep reflective areas

To prep the reflective areas of your model tank, you will need to create a base layer that will provide a good foundation for the other paint layers. This base layer is known as a primer and will usually be a light colour such as grey or white. The primer will help to create a base layer that the paint colours will be able to adhere to. It is best to use spray paint or an airbrush for this, as it will provide even coverage.

Once you have your primer, you can start to think about the reflective areas of your model tank. For this, you will need to pick out the glass reflective areas and paint them black. This will help to create contrast and the illusion of reflection. The contrast between light and dark is important to achieve the desired reflective effect.

After you have painted the reflective areas black, you can start to add some details. For this, you will need to thin down some white paint and hand-paint any details such as tank IDs. Don't worry about making mistakes, as you can remove any errors while the paint is still wet using tissue paper or cotton buds. As you get more confident, you can make the white stronger and stronger with each pass.

You can then add some more depth to the model by mixing up a darker shade of green and thinning it out to make a wash. You can also add a dark brown wash/ink to accent the armour joints and other features, such as hatches and rivets. Finally, apply a generous coat of matt varnish over the entire surface of the model. This will help flatten the colours and protect the paintwork from damage.

Choose a lighting style

When painting lights on a model tank, there are several lighting styles you can choose from. The most popular lighting system in scale modelling is the zenithal lighting technique. This method involves applying a light source from above the model, creating a gradient effect that makes the model appear more three-dimensional. You can also use a zenithal highlight undercoat to add shades and lights to your model tank.

Another option is to use a complex pre-shading system, such as creating a black and white grisaille as a base for your lighting. This method can be more time-consuming but can create a striking effect. You can also use enamel products, such as the enamel filters offered by AMMO, to create lighting effects. Their new shaders and acrylic filters can be applied with a brush or airbrush and are non-toxic.

If you're looking for a simple approach, you can choose to paint your model tank in a plain colour without lights. This technique is faster since you only need to apply the desired colour. However, keep in mind that smaller models reflect less light, so consider using a slightly lighter colour to compensate for this.

For a unique and dramatic effect, consider using the colour modulation lighting method. This technique creates light effects that are impossible in real life but result in high levels of definition and contrast. It is particularly effective for small-scale models, making them stand out and appear more detailed.

Additionally, you can enhance the lighting and overall appearance of your model tank by using dry brushing techniques. Dry brushing involves applying light layers of paint to the raised details of your model, creating depth and improving the resolution of colours. This method can be used to add highlights to your tank's armour and other elements.

Select your colours

Selecting the right colours is a crucial step in painting a model tank, as it can bring your miniature creation to life. The colours you choose will depend on the type of tank, the setting, and the lighting effects you want to achieve.

For a historically accurate model, research the specific vehicle you're replicating. For example, for a German tank, consider using MIG's RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb as your base colour, while MIG's Russian Green is suitable for Soviet tanks. If you're painting a late-war German tank, a combination of MIG Olivgrün and Schokobraun creates an effective camouflage pattern.

If you're painting a tank that has seen battle, reference photos of worn-out machinery, used construction vehicles, or rusted cars can provide inspiration for weathering your model. Consider using dark washes to enhance depth and add accents to armour joints, hatches, and rivets. A matte, satin, or gloss clear coat can also be applied based on your desired finish.

For lights and lamps, you can choose colours that reflect the type of lighting you want to depict. For example, red can represent infrared lamps, while dark blue can be used for flashlights. To create a reflection effect, use black as a base and add a white dot where the light hits, surrounded by complete black to trick the eye.

Additionally, consider the lighting conditions when selecting colours. Smaller models reflect less light due to their reduced surface area, so applying a slightly lighter shade than the accurate colour can compensate for this.

Apply the paint

Painting a model tank is a fun and creative process that can bring your miniature vehicle to life. Here is a detailed guide on how to apply the paint and create a realistic and immersive effect for your model tank:

Choose Your Paint and Brushes:

Select the colours you want for your tank. You can choose a single colour for the entire tank or opt for a camouflage pattern with multiple colours. For a base colour, dark green is a popular choice, but you can also use colours like dark yellow or brown for a desert tank or green and black for a forest tank. For a Soviet tank, you might want to go with a historical colour like Russian Green. Consider the lighting conditions and whether you want to create a specific effect, such as the gemstone effect for Soviet tanks, which involves using contrasting colours.

Prepare the Paint:

If you're using acrylic paint, thin it down with a few drops of water to create a glaze. This will allow any primer or base coat to show through. You can also mix colours to create the desired shades. For example, mix yellow, green, and white, and then add more white to create a lighter shade of green.

Apply the Base Coat:

Use a brush or airbrush to apply a base coat to the entire model tank. An airbrush will provide even coverage, but you can also use spray paint. Choose a light-coloured primer, such as white or grey, as a base for your camouflage colours to adhere to.

Paint the Details:

Use a small brush to paint the details, such as pipework and metal tools, in black. Paint any lights in white at this stage. Allow all parts to dry before moving on. You can thin down the white paint and hand-paint details like tank IDs, adding more white with each pass as you gain confidence.

Dry Brushing:

Dip a dry brush into the paint, removing excess moisture by brushing over tissue paper. Dry brush over the armoured areas to pick out the details. Use lighter shades of your base and camouflage colours to highlight raised areas. You can build up the effect by applying multiple light layers of dry brushing.

Washes and Streaking:

Add depth by creating a darker shade and thinning it to make a wash. Apply dark washes to recesses and around details to enhance depth. For the main armour, use a dark brown wash to accent the armour joints, hatches, and rivets. Use weathering streaking by applying dots of dark brown or grey to areas that would typically streak, such as rivets and handles, and spread them into thin streaks.

Varnish and Final Touches:

Apply a matte, satin, or gloss varnish depending on your desired finish. A varnish like MIG Ultra Matt Lucky Varnish will give a realistic, non-reflective finish. Apply it generously to protect the paintwork and flatten the colours.

Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and take your time with each step, allowing adequate drying time between layers. Enjoy the process of bringing your model tank to life with paint!

Add the finishing touches

Once you have painted your model tank, there are several finishing touches you can add to enhance the overall look of the model. Here are some techniques to add those final details:

Lighting Effects

To create a reflection effect on the tank's lights and lamps, you can use the gradient and contrast technique. First, paint the reflective glass areas black. Then, add a white dot where the light would hit, ensuring it is surrounded by complete blackness to trick the eye. This will create the illusion of a light reflection.

Dry Brushing

Dry brushing is a powerful technique to enhance colour, improve detail resolution, and blend paint. Use a light application of paint on your brush, and work on small areas at a time. Cover the raised details without leaving a heavy layer of colour. You can build up the effect with multiple light layers of dry brushing if needed.

Washes

Apply dark washes to recesses and around details to enhance depth and create shadows. You can use a darker shade of your base colour or a specific wash product.

Weathering

To create a weathered look, apply dots of dark brown or grey paint to areas that would typically streak, such as rivets and handles. Spread the dots in thin streaks across the armour, blending them into the background.

Varnish

Apply a matte varnish over the entire surface of the model to flatten the colours and protect the paintwork. It will look shiny when wet but will dry clear and matte.

Photography

To make your model tank look even more realistic, try photographing it with low-angle lighting and a camera perspective. This will add depth and enhance the overall appearance of the model.

These finishing touches will help bring your model tank to life and make it look more authentic. Remember to take your time and enjoy the process of refining your creation!

Frequently asked questions