Model Forum / General / Models / December 2006

With an airbrush, using a series of cut masks...probably Frisket film.

The item is first sprayed the basic color.  Then a single mask is
applied - the scales were probably done first, in the darkest color.
The mask would have been a simple single row of scallops, moved tip to
tail to form rows and build a pattern of "scales".  Spraying from the
hard edge to the open makes/leaves the strong lines; the whole blank was
probably painted black first and then the colors applied over it.

If I had to guess the order of operations, I'd say the item was first
painted black and painted overall with a pattern of silver scales and
then masked off over the back and head.  Then the white was added in a
gradient fashion nose to tail, then the red below the gills, then green,
some final touchup with black around the head, and then a final clear coat.

I only recall this because Badger once published a "how-to" airbrush
book that I glanced at when I got my first one as a teen.  It had a
section on using this technique to paint scales on both car bodies and
fishing lures.  The only difference in technique between the two is the
size of the mask used and the width/pressure of the spray required.

I believe those are either screen printed or done with a form of a
decal that is laid into the mold.