Quick answer
To paint a BAe Hawk T.1 Red Arrows model, start by priming the plastic, then apply thin coats of gloss red acrylic, mask carefully for the white and blue elements, and finish with decals and a clear coat.
Why the Red Arrows scheme requires extra care
The BAe Hawk T.1 Red Arrows livery is mostly gloss red with specific white and blue accents. Gloss paint shows every imperfection, so surface preparation is more important than with flat finishes. Take time to sand seams and fill gaps before you paint.
Step-by-step painting guide
- Clean and prime the plastic: Wash all parts in warm soapy water to remove mold release. Let dry, then apply a thin coat of gray primer. This helps the red paint adhere and reveals any surface flaws. Skipping the wash can cause paint to peel later.
- Spray the base red coat: Use a gloss red acrylic paint thinned about 50:50 with thinner. Apply 3–4 very light mist coats, allowing each to dry for 10 minutes. Build up the color slowly to avoid runs. Thick coats of red will obscure panel lines and look unnatural.
- Mask and paint the white and blue areas: Use low-tack masking tape to cover the red where the white fuselage stripe and blue tail go. Spray white first, then mask again for the blue. Remove tape while paint is still slightly soft to avoid peeling. Press tape edges firmly to prevent paint bleeding underneath.
- Apply decals with setting solution: Cut each decal close to the artwork, soak in warm water for 30 seconds, slide onto the model, and position with a damp brush. Use decal setting solution to soften them into panel lines. Let dry 24 hours. Rushing decals can cause silvering (air trapped under the film).
- Seal with a clear coat: Spray two thin coats of gloss clear varnish to protect the paint and decals. This also evens out the sheen. Let cure for at least 48 hours before handling. Matte clear coat will dull the Red Arrows gloss finish—use gloss.
Kit you'll use for this guide
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Model Set BAe Hawk T.1 Red Arrows: This model kit includes a detailed cockpit, ejection seats, air brake flaps, a smoke tank, and authentic decals for the 2015 Red Arrows version. The detailed cockpit and decals mean you can achieve a museum-quality finish if you paint carefully—but you must avoid covering the fine cockpit details with thick paint.
Model Set BAe Hawk T.1 Red Arrows
