Chloe Zhang
Painting a TIE Fighter plastic model can be a fun and rewarding project for any Star Wars fan. While it may seem complex at first, breaking down the model into sections and starting with the cockpit can make the process more manageable. Choosing the right colours is essential, with most TIE Fighters depicted as blue-grey in the Star Wars films, although some variations exist. Using techniques like dry brushing and masking can add surface detail and interest to the model. With the right approach and attention to detail, anyone can create an impressive and accurate TIE Fighter model.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Model Kit | Bandai 1/72 TIE Fighter |
| Paint Colors | Vallejo Model Color Sky Gray 70.989, Vallejo Metal Colour Magnesium, Scale75 Thrash Metal, Scarlet Red, Archive-X Stormy Sea, Army Painter Air Raven Black, Colour Forge Standard Grey, Liquitex Carbon Black Acrylic Ink, Vallejo Model Air Dark Grey, Abaddon Black, Nuln Oil Wash, Administratum Gray, Kantor Blue, Vallejo Grey Primer |
| Paint Brands | AK Interactive Real Colors (AKRC), Vallejo, Army Painter, GW, Colour Forge, Liquitex, Humbrol, Citadel Air, Games Workshop, Citadel Colour, Citadel Spray, Old Citadel Colour, HATAKA HOBBY, Hornby Hobbies, Humbrol Acrylic, Humbrol Enamel, ICM, Lifecolor, Meng Model, Mig Jimenez Ammo Acrylics, Mission Models, Mr. Color, Mr. Hobby, Mr. Metal Color, Mr. Metallic Color, GX GSI Creos Corp, Gundam Color, Gundam Marker, Gundam Spray, Master Series Paints, Pathfinder, Mr. Color Spray, Mr. Hobby Primer Surfacer, Mr. Hobby Top Coat, Gaia Notes GAIA Enamel Color, Gaia Notes Gaia Color |
| Techniques | Dry brushing, airbrushing |
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What You'll Learn
Paint the wings
Painting the wings of a TIE Fighter model can be a fun and rewarding experience, and it's a great way to add your personal touch to this iconic Star Wars spacecraft. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the best results:
Prepare the Wing Components:
Before you begin painting, it's important to have the wing components ready. The wings of the TIE Fighter consist of two main parts: the large solar panels and the struts around the edges and in the middle that clip onto the solar panels. It's recommended to leave the solar panels on the sprue (the framework holding the parts) for now and focus on the struts. Remove the struts from the sprue, clean them up, and get them ready for priming and painting.
Prime the Wings:
Priming the wings is an essential step to ensure the paint adheres well and creates a uniform base for the final colour. Use a primer that matches the colour you want for the wings. For a traditional grey TIE Fighter, you can use Colour Forge Standard Grey primer. Apply an even coat to the struts, following the manufacturer's instructions for the primer application.
Paint the Solar Panels:
While the struts are drying, you can work on the solar panels. The solar panels can be painted black, but if you want a darker finish, you can mix in some black acrylic ink. In the Star Wars films, the TIE Fighter cockpits are quite dark, so a combination of Army Painter Air Raven Black and Liquitex Carbon Black acrylic ink can achieve this look. Apply a thin coat of your chosen colour to the solar panels, allowing it to dry thoroughly before deciding if you need a second coat.
Highlight the Solar Panels (Optional):
If you want to add some depth and interest to your model, you can optionally highlight the centre of the solar panels. Mix a colour like Sky Type S, which has greenish-blue tones, with the base colour you used for the panels. This mixture can be used to highlight the centre, leaving the edges in the original base colour. Practice is key when using an airbrush for this step, as you want to achieve a smooth and subtle transition.
Final Details:
Once the wings are painted and detailed to your liking, it's time for the final touches. If your model includes decals, carefully apply them to the wings, following the manufacturer's instructions. You may also want to apply a clear coat or varnish to protect the paint job and give it a glossy or matte finish, depending on your preference.
Remember to take your time, work in a well-ventilated area, and always follow the instructions provided with your chosen paints and tools for the best results. Enjoy bringing your TIE Fighter model to life with a stunning paint job!
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Paint the cockpit
Painting the cockpit of a TIE Fighter model can be a fun and rewarding experience, and there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the best results. Firstly, it is recommended to start with the cockpit and build outwards, as with most aircraft models. This can make the process more manageable and help you stay organized.
Before painting, it is important to clean and prepare the parts. Clip the required pieces from the sprue and remove any excess material or imperfections. Then, without assembling them, prime the parts with a suitable spray primer. A black primer, such as Chaos Black spray, can be a good option for a TIE Fighter cockpit as it provides a dark base for the upcoming paint layers.
Once the primer is dry, you can begin painting the interior of the cockpit. A base coat of dark paint, such as Army Painter Air Raven Black, is a good starting point. TIE fighter cockpits are quite dark in the films, so using a dark paint that is not pitch black can create an accurate representation. You can then add details to the cockpit, such as painting the pipework behind the pilot with a metallic color like Scale75 Thrash Metal and the seat with a bold color like Scarlet Red.
For the exterior of the cockpit, a light grey color like Vallejo Metal Colour Magnesium can be used to paint the panel. To add further detail, you may want to consider using decals. If you plan to use decals, apply a coat of gloss varnish to the areas that will receive them. This will ensure the decals adhere properly and create a seamless finish.
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Use the correct colours
When it comes to painting a TIE Fighter plastic model, using the correct colours is essential to achieving an accurate and aesthetically pleasing result. Here are some detailed instructions and colour suggestions to help you get the perfect finish:
Firstly, it's important to note that the colour of TIE Fighters has evolved throughout the Star Wars films. While they appear grey in "A New Hope", they take on a blue-grey hue in "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi". This change was made to help the models stand out against the bluescreen. Therefore, the colour you choose should depend on which version of the TIE Fighter you are recreating.
For the iconic blue-grey colour seen in "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi", you can mix 7 parts neutral grey, 3 parts white, and a "dose" of blue grey, as suggested by Bandai. Alternatively, you can use pre-mixed colours like Vallejo Model Color Sky Gray 70.989, which can be applied with a light dry brush to add surface interest and contrast.
If you're aiming for the original grey colour scheme from "A New Hope", consider using Vallejo Model Air Dark Grey. You can also mix in a small amount of blue to create a darker blue-grey look. This combination is ideal for achieving the Episode 4 grey colour.
Another important aspect to consider is the colour of the cockpit. TIE fighter cockpits are known for being dark, but you don't want them to be pitch black. A good option is to use Army Painter Air Raven Black as a base coat, which will give it a suitably dark and ominous appearance. For an even darker effect, you can mix in some Liquitex Carbon Black acrylic ink.
The panels on the exterior of the cockpit can be painted with Vallejo Metal Colour Magnesium, giving them a distinct metallic finish. Additionally, the struts on the panels can be lightened using colours like Administratum Grey, providing a nice contrast to the darker shades.
Lastly, don't forget about the solar panels, which can be painted with a flat black colour like AKRC RC001. You can also add thin coats of Archive-X Stormy Sea to the exterior of the model to achieve that iconic blue-grey colour.
By following these colour suggestions and techniques, you'll be well on your way to creating an accurate and impressive TIE Fighter model that captures the villainous essence of these iconic Star Wars spacecraft.
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Prime the model
Priming your TIE Fighter model is a crucial step in the painting process. It helps to create a uniform base for the paint to adhere to and can also help to fill in any small imperfections or gaps in the plastic. Here's a detailed guide on how to prime your TIE Fighter plastic model:
Firstly, it's important to choose the right primer for your model. For plastic models, it's best to use a primer that is specifically designed for plastic surfaces. This will ensure that the primer adheres well to the plastic and provides a durable base for your paint. There are a variety of primers available on the market, including spray primers and brush-on primers. Spray primers, such as the Mr. Hobby Primer mentioned in the search results, can provide a quick and even coat, while brush-on primers allow for more precision and control.
When priming your TIE Fighter model, it's important to work in a well-ventilated area to ensure your safety. If you're using a spray primer, make sure to follow the instructions on the can and hold the can at the recommended distance from the model. Start spraying in short, light bursts, ensuring that you cover all surfaces evenly. It's generally recommended to apply multiple thin coats of primer, rather than one thick coat, to get a smooth and consistent finish.
If you're using a brush-on primer, use a soft brush that won't leave brush strokes on the model. Carefully apply the primer to all surfaces, following the direction of the brush strokes to create a smooth and even finish. Similar to spray primers, it's best to apply thin coats and build up the coverage gradually to avoid any dripping or pooling of primer.
Once you've applied the primer, allow it to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. It's important to be patient during this step, as rushing the drying process can lead to uneven results. Some primers may require multiple coats for the best coverage, so be sure to follow the specific instructions for your chosen product.
After the primer has dried, take a close look at your TIE Fighter model to ensure that all areas are adequately covered. If you notice any thin spots or areas that need additional coverage, apply a second coat of primer, again allowing it to dry completely. A well-primed model will provide a great foundation for the subsequent painting steps, ensuring that your TIE Fighter looks smooth and professional.
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Paint the solar panels
Painting the solar panels on a TIE Fighter model can be a fun and rewarding project. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the best results:
Prepare the Solar Panels:
Before you begin painting, it is important to prepare the solar panels. Start by leaving the solar panels on the sprue, which will make the painting process easier. Clean the panels and remove any excess plastic or residue. It is crucial to ensure that the panels are free of dust, grease, or any other contaminants that may affect the paint adhesion.
Prime the Surface:
The next step is to prime the solar panels. Apply a thin, even coat of primer to the entire surface of the panels. A recommended primer colour is Colour Forge Standard Grey, which provides a suitable base for the subsequent paint layers. Allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
Base Coat Application:
Once the primer is dry, you can begin applying the base coat. For the TIE Fighter's solar panels, a suitable colour is black. You can use Army Painter Air Raven Black, which provides a dark and sleek base for the panels. If you prefer a darker shade, you can mix in some Liquitex Carbon Black acrylic ink to achieve the desired colour. Allow the base coat to dry thoroughly.
Light Dry Brushing:
To add depth and interest to the solar panels, you can use a light dry brushing technique. Choose a soft makeup brush that will allow you to deposit a minimal amount of paint while avoiding a streaky finish. For this step, you can use colours like Vallejo Model Color Sky Gray 70.989 or Neutral Gray 70.992. Lightly brush the panels with the chosen colour, focusing on creating subtle contrast and highlighting the grid pattern.
Final Details:
After the dry brushing, step back and assess the overall appearance of the solar panels. If you wish to add more depth or adjust the colour, you can carefully apply additional thin layers of paint, always allowing each layer to dry before adding another. Remember that less is more, and it's better to build up the colour gradually.
Additionally, if you want to create a glossy finish, you can experiment with dry brushing gloss over the matte black base. This can add an interesting visual effect, especially when light reflects off the panels.
Additional Tips:
- Keep in mind that the solar panels on TIE Fighters tend to be fairly clean, so any weathering or grime effects should be subtle.
- If you're looking for colour accuracy, refer to the Bandai box art or official Star Wars references for guidance.
- For a more complex build, consider adding decals or additional details to the cockpit and other exterior components.
Remember to enjoy the process and take your time. Painting a TIE Fighter model, especially the solar panels, can be a challenging but rewarding endeavour.
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Frequently asked questions
The TIE Fighters in the Star Wars films are grey in *A New Hope*, and blue-grey in *The Empire Strikes Back* and *Return of the Jedi*. You can mix your own blue-grey paint by combining 7 parts neutral grey, 3 parts white, and a “dose” of blue grey.
You can use any paints that are designed for use on plastic models. Some brands that are suitable include Vallejo, Army Painter, and GW.
You can apply paint with a brush or a spray. Some modellers prefer to use a brush for small models because they are worried about getting an uneven finish with a spray.
It is important to clean each part of the model and remove any mould lines before you start painting. You should also prime the plastic with a suitable primer to help the paint adhere better and give a more even finish.
