Man I suck at painting!!! Help

[BarryZ28]

I am in the process of building a viper model but I suck when it comes to painting the instruments in the cockpit.
I have the gauges lit but the bad paint takes away from it.
I don't have a steady hand and my eyes aren't what they use to be.
Are there some helpful tips on painting this dash?
Thanks, Barry.
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e299/barryz28/dash001.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e299/barryz28/dash002.jpg

 

[ZOMBIEREPELLENT]

If you're talking about the little bit of paint in the lit areas, take some nail polish remover and a tooth pick and remove it that way. the sooth pick should hold just enough remover to get the paint out without making a puddle in the guage.

 

[motivealloy]

You might want to invest in a magnifier lamp. :eek

 

[jedikanol]

You might want to invest in a magnifier lamp. :eek

michaels arts and crafts sell's one for $19.99 and right now michaels has a sale going on

 

[switchblade_slinger]

Use a magnifying visor. You can pick them up at places like Micro Mark:http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=18108

They allow a binocular vision that is REALLY important when working on small parts. Your wife will never look at you the same way again, but your models will be very detailed.

Micro Mark sells tons of awesome tools, specifically made for the industry.

Plus, they sell this:

http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=83048

 

[swfan]

Micromark has wonderful stuff for all facets of model making well beyond just painting. Check them out they are excellent. No I don't have stock with them. Just a satisfied customer.

 

[ictvuser]

I am in the process of building a viper model but I suck when it comes to painting the instruments in the cockpit.
I have the gauges lit but the bad paint takes away from it.
I don't have a steady hand and my eyes aren't what they use to be.
Are there some helpful tips on painting this dash?

I do not remember if the Viper had any decals for the gauges (my kit is still boxed up), but the decals may be opaque enough to hide the minor flaws along the edges.

You can also make your own custom decals using Inkjet water slide decal or ALPs paper. If there are flaws along the edges you need to hide, just add a black border to the decal.

Decals for gauges designed for 1/24 or 1/32 planes may be an option as well.