How to Avoid Ruining Your First Model Aircraft Kit - 10+ Essential Tips

guest post by Tony Garcia

I used to love to build plastic scale models as a kid. I've even built a few as an adult. I think you will find scale models as much fun as I did. Plastic model kits are getting more difficult to find in stores these days.

If you're really interested you should find a hobby shop close by that carries scale models or you can search online if you can't find what you're looking for in your local hobby store.

Some online stores specialize in certain types of models. For instance, some stores carry military aircraft models only and some online stores carry helicopter models only. This makes it easier for you to find exactly what you are looking for.


You can learn a lot about whatever you are building by learning the names of the different components as you put your model together. For instance, if you build a model car you will likely learn the names of a lot of the different engine parts.

Here are a few important tips for the beginning plastic model aircraft builder.

1. Select a proper work place. Choose a well lit and ventilated area or room which will not hinder your work as the model requires time to build. Ideally, the place is where you could leave the model partially completed if necessary.
2. Read the instructions completely before beginning and refer back to them as you build. This is the most important of all. You must read the installation manual that comes with the model. It is a detail step-by-step instruction outlining the different phrases of construction from start to finish. Make sure you study and understand the directions given in the guide. This essential step will in fact play a major part in the success of your model building.
3. Plan the work sequence in advance. Plan the model building phrases from start to finish in advance. Break it down to stages and decide which part needs to be assembled or painted first. Make use of the installation manual to assist you in the planning.
4. Before you assemble your model, you will want to spray paint it. If you assemble it first, you will you will not be able to get paint into some of the tight areas and your model will look like it was built by an amateur. Buy spray paint in a can to paint the body or fuselage of your model. Be sure to shake the can vigorously for 30 - 60 seconds before painting. Test paint a small area on a piece of cardboard to check for color and smooth spray.
5. Spray paint in a well-ventilated area only. It is important that you hold the spray can the correct distance from your model...about 6 inches is usually recommended. If you get it too close your paint job will have runs in it; too far away and your paint job will have an orange peel effect(it will look rough and dull). Keep the can moving while spraying...again, too much time spent in one spot will result in runs and a not-so-great paint job. Before you spray paint your first model, practice on an old cardboard box. Allow the first coat to dry for at least an hour and then apply a second coat.
6. Paint most of the small parts with a brush before detaching them and before assembling your model. This will make it easier to paint small parts without getting paint all over your fingers and fingerprints in your paint job.
7. Before you glue parts together, scrape any paint or if it is a chrome part, scrape any chrome off of the surfaces where the glue will be applied. If you do not, the paint will peel off later and the pieces will come apart.
8. Make sure you have a well-ventilated for using your model glue. Be sure to put down several layers of newspaper to work on. It might be your last model if you get glue on your Mom's table!
9. When spray painting a model car body, sometimes you can fashion a body holder from a clothes hanger. This prevents you from getting spray paint all over your hands and from getting finger prints on your fresh paint job.
10. Be Patient! Take your time. If you rush you are more likely to make mistakes. Exercise patience and take your time. If you are having difficulty, refer back the installation manual to find answers. The moment you wanted to complete the work at a faster pace, you are likely to make mistakes and feel frustrated.
11. Display your finished model in a safe place. You may even want to purchase a small glass case for it.
12. If you really like model-building you may want to purchase an air brush to do a more professional looking paint job.
13. Always complete your work. Do not give up or throw away the model if one part is missing or you did something wrong. Continue the work to get it done and learn from your mistakes. You will gain valuable experience and avoid similar problems with new model in the future.

Building model kits can be considered tedious and time consuming. It does require the hobbyist to have patience and dedication. But in the end, all is worthwhile when you feel satisfied and amazed at the completed model.