77propeller Airbrush Stencils
By Matt Bittner
Overview
When I decided to finish the Brengun 1/144 Ho 229, and I chose a particular scheme, I was looking for a way to airbrush the usual German WWII "mottling" on a 1/144 model easily. There was one point I ventured to the LP Models site and while surfing around that site, I came across them selling the 77propeller stencils. I was leary, primarily because of the usual stencil size, but when I saw the stencils on the LP Models site (who no longer carries the 77propeller line) and specifically saw the smallest stencil, I thought it would work. So I contacted LP Models and he sent the stencils for review.
The Stencils
LP Models not ony sent the smallest stencil for review, but two other sets as well.
| PRP015: Airbrush Stencils for spraying fine details |
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| PRP022: Set "2" - 3 airbrush stencils - Airbrush Stencils for spraying fine details |
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| PRP026: Medium Airbrush stencil - Airbrush Stencils for spraying fine details - 90 MM X 60 MM |
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According to the 77propeller site (Google translated):
"Plastic stencils are designed for work with an airbrush gun, which allows the airbrush technique to show worn and faded surfaces. Using a stencil, you spray various wear effects on your model by placing the stencil in the desired location and then spraying the paint with an airbrus gun.
"The templates are designed for spraying fine details on models or its individual parts. Airbrush templates are made of quality plastic and can be bent to achieve wear effects even in hard-to-reach places. Plastic stencils have a smooth surface, so they do not damage the surface of the model when working. Cleaning the template is very easy with a cleaner."
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When I used this on the Brengun 1/144 Ho 229, I just placed the stencil on top of the model and sprayed the Hataka RLM 75. I decided it was better to spray the lighter color over the darker color and it worked out wonderfully. It might have been better if I sprayed a little extra RLM 75 as it came out a little light, but in person the model looks great. These stencils really work!
I was able to clean the surface of the stencil using the VMS Airbrush Cleaner Pro solution. I also soaked the stencil in a solution of 50% 91% isopropyl alcohol and 50% Windex which cleaned all of it, not just the surface but also inside all cut-outs. A much more economic solution than using the VMS solution. The stencil itself is left unharmed.
Conclusion
I can see numerous uses for these stencils, not only for creating German "mottling". You can use it to show wear and tear, streaks, etc. You're only limted by your imagination.
I definitely thank LP Models for sending the stencils to review. Be sure to check out the 77propeller site for more.