How to Paint a Plastic Model Airplane Engine

Use fine sandpaper to smooth the engine parts. This will reduce jagged edges and make it easier to paint the engine by helping the paint adhere to it.

Wash the engine with detergent, water and a soft rag. This helps remove debris that may adversely affect the paint colors. Dry the engine completely with another rag. Take special care to dry between small engine parts.

Browse pictures of the type of engine you are painting. Kits often have pictures of the finished plane on the boxes.

Use a medium brush to paint primer on the engine. Use a fine brush to cover small engine pieces and crevices. Make sure that the primer is completely dry before coating the underside of the engine.

Select the primary color of the engine, which will often be a shade of gray. Use a spoon to remove a small amount of paint. Thin the paint with mineral spirits if you are using enamel. If you use acrylic paint, thin the paint with water. Brush the paint on the engine. After it dries, paint the other side. Acrylic paint will take a few hours to dry, but enamel usually takes a full day.

Examine a picture to decide what additional detail colors you want. Paint a lighter color to create fade marks. Paint some darker brown on the engine to simulate mud.