Post Shading

Post Shading

This is by no means a do all end all in regard to shading panel lines. It is merely how I do it. Consider it another useful tool to have in your modeling repertoire.
I like this method better as I don’t have to try and cover lots of black or other dark colors with more paint to tone down the black used from pre-shading. The more paint applied, the more chance there is to cover what detail is there. Again, this is my preferred method. It is one technique I use when dealing with a kit that has raised panel lines as applying a wash to these type kits usually doesn’t go well. I will also use it on recessed panels. Just depends on what type of look I am going for with the build.
I first started using this technique several years ago while building armor. I was pretty heavy handed in my application at the time and the airbrush I was using was not really suitable for the task, but it gave me the basis to refine what I was doing which led to better models in the long run. The effect was to try and darken panel lines without using washes. This was to simulate accumulated grime and “shadow areas” that would be found on the real vehicle; on the model.