F9F-5 Panther (Toko-Ri): Should the Aircraft Trim Painted First or Last?

[George]

Hi Gents:

 

I'm building Monogram's 1/48 F9F-5 Panther (VF-192 Golden Dragons) from the film The Bridges of Toko-Ri  and wanted to get an opinion about the metallic trim on the leading edges of the wings, vertical stabilizer and insignia white trim on the top of the vertical stabilizer and rudder.  It would seem easier to mask the bird for it's Glossy Sea Blue appearance AFTER the trim is painted (metallic silver/NMF and Insignia White) by covering them with Tamiya tape.  Some may apply GSB before but masking the aircraft afterwards would require more Tamiya tape.

 

What are the pros and cons of both methods?  

 

Thanks.

Regards,

 

George

[Maxim61]

I would apply the gloss sea blue first as natural metal paint can lift off under tape. Spray the white, blue and then the metal trim.

Edited June 12, 2024 by Maxim61

[George]

Thanks.

[Joe Hegedus]

I'd use something like Tamiya AS-12, and paint the silver first (remember, you don't need a shiny, NMF here - the leading edges were Corogaurd rather than unpainted metal).  The AS-12 is rock hard and can be masked without worry of it lifting with masking.  Mask that, paint the white, then paint the blue.

 

I've done it the other way around, and it's a pain to mask all that blue for the silver leading edges.

[George]

Hi Joe,

 

Thanks.  

 

Regards,

 

George 

[LSP_K2]

I agree, metal areas first, then the blue (and white). Which Panther will you be doing, assuming you'll be doing Brubaker?