Painting Flyers - Tips to keep the stand clear

Hey all

So, I'm finally at the stage where I'm ready to start painting my miniatures, starting with a small 50 power Wraith Host detachment for an upcoming event. One of the models that I'm painting for this is a Hemlock Wraithfighter, and I'm curious as to how you guys go about painting flying models.

Do you tend to take them off the stand where possible? Or is there something you use to keep the flying stands paint- or spray-free? (the latter might help with units like Hellions, which are glued to their respective stands)

Also, while I'm on the subject of transparent components:

1. For models with clear bases, do you tend to give them a detailed base to match your army, or keep them clear? I've seen both being used in equal measure and was wondering what you guys (and girls) tend to do.

2. For models with clear canopies, do you keep them clear and paint the model inside? Or do you simply cover them up? For the Hemlock I intend to do the latter, but there are some vehicles (Vypers in particular) where the pilot is still visible from other angles.

Most people I've seen tend to paint over the canopies. I personally keep them clear and paint the models inside. It does make for extra steps though. To do this, you need to finish the whole model without the canopy glued on if you intend to clear coat when you're done. (or painters tape over it when you spray)

I haven't done my hellions yet, but I did glue my jetbikes on before painting. It isn't too hard to cover the flying stand with painters tape before spraying.

Similarly on my jet fighters, painters tape kept the clear stand safe while I painted the base.

Key is to use painters tape, not masking tape. Masking tape won't get the same seal, so some of the spray could bleed through. This wouldn't be a huge issue for the clear coat on the bases, but is a bigger issue if you're using spray paint for the base coat on the model.

I have historically left the clear bases clear, but if I had it to do again, I would base them like the rest of my army. I have one raider that the base broke, so I had to do this, and I'm really pleased with how it looks.

S

I've taken to priming my canopies black, then painting a thick coat of Badger Minitaire Black Ghost Tint over them. They end up with a shiny motorcycle helmet face plate look.

As for stands... a paper towel soaked in Isopropyl Alcohol will clean off any overspray.

I spray the inside of my canopies with a thin coat of tamiya clear orange, gives it a tint but you can still see inside.

I also tend to paint the inside of the canopy, trying to make it a decent blend of colours so its not a flat colour.

On stand, I threw together a sort-of stand, and keep a flyer on that while painting. Then get it on a proper stand later once its done.