Do I paint the wheel wells, gear and weapons bays before I paint the surfaces of the model or after? A question that we all wrestle with with each and every scale modeling project. The answer is Yes and No…depends on which will result is the least amount of effort. Least is best…but we’ve all been there when we though it was.

If you elect to paint the bays and wells first, then you’ll need to mask them later to protect them from overspray while you paint the overall scheme of the project. One method you can use is to insert damp tissue to fill the recessed area. This can be quite time consuming and not yield perfect results each and every time. You could cut masking tape and apply it to the inside surfaces, again time consuming and risky.

The easy way out  is to insert some foam rubber blocks into the recesses. You can pick up a piece of this foam at your local craft or fabric store. Typically these are used as padding to insert into seat cushions. They come in various shapes and sizes. I just happen to have a flat square one from something that was packed using it for protection. Mechanics use this stuff to make shadow boards inside their tool box drawers. Easier to spot which tool(s) are missing at the end of the day. Most places that service aircraft this is a requirement.

It is just a matter of cutting the foam with a sharp knife to sizes that fit snug in to the recesses. You may need to cut a couple like I did here in this wheel well. Just use a little caution while spraying around the blocks. Be sure not to saturate the area as it will get wicked up by the foam and spread into the well.

Once your done painting simply remove the blocks and either save or discard them. They can be trimmed into smaller sizes for smaller openings on future projects. You can use them to protect cockpit openings as well.

If you prefer to paint such recesses after you’ve painted the rest of the model, then here is how I do that. I use the appropriate tack masking tape and apply it over the entire area where the opening is. If you think you are going to have overspray, cover the rest of the model as needed, with the appropriate masking…tape, paper, Parafilm or even kitchen foil.

As I said each model your building will have a different approach, either paint such areas before or after…or in some combination of the two. If you have several techniques in your arsenal of skill sets you shouldn’t have any problem tackling them.

Remember don’t make it any harder than it needs to be. When you do, the fun ends and the frustration begins. If you need help, ask! There are no dumb questions…Except the one you didn’t ask and by not doing so ruined an otherwise fine modeling project.