What prompted this article is primarily "SAFETY - PROPELLERS SAFETY".
It's really surprising to see how many propeller tips are left unpainted - especially when it's obvious a lot of work and money have gone into the model. There are good reasons to paint the tips of the props! When the prop is rotating it's hard to tell where the outside disc is. Painting the tips which is easily done, serves to delineate the disc so it's much easier to keep things away, including your hands! It's a way of completing the project or just putting that little added touch that enhances the realism of the aircraft, not to mention keeping up our "SAFETY" image. Are you convinced? If so, read on: believe me, it is easy!
PAINTING PROPELLER TIPS
STEP ONE: Make sure prop is cleaned and balanced, wipe with suitable solvent (YES, even NEW props), check tips of prop, remove burrs with fine sandpaper.
STEP TWO: Using an adjustable square measure from the tip to end of main area to be painted, about an inch on an 18" prop looks good. Mark with soft pencil.
STEP THREE: Use plastic tape or strips of stripping tape across blade tip at pencil mark. Now if you want a real scale look - add second strip of tape exact width of tape from the first piece. Using regular masking tape and paper, mask prop blade (to protect from over spray) to center of prop.
STEP FOUR: Use appliance white enamel in spray can for
painting. Almost any kind of paint works, but be sure to use
a color that is contrasting.
PAINTING: Don't try to put all the color on in one shot. Try this technique, you'll like it!