Table of Contents
You can find everything you need for your next plastic model kit in our Scale Model Supplies Online Store.
Ready to turn a good build into a jaw-dropping showpiece? This Scale Model Supplies guide walks you through every essential—and the smart extras—that makes your models cleaner, crisper, and more realistic. When you’re ready to stock up, explore a curated range of Scale Model Supplies.
Why do the right scale model supplies matter?
Even experienced builders hit the same bottlenecks: messy seams, silvered decals, orange-peel paint, or brittle glue joints. The fix usually isn’t “more skill”—it’s better model building tools, paint prep, and finishing workflows. With the right kit, you’ll work faster, make fewer mistakes, and get pro-level results consistently.
Explore Model Kit Categories at ScaleModelsOnlineStore.com
Model Aircraft
Shop by scale—1/144, 1/72, 1/48, 1/32—and by type, such as Civil Airliner and Helicopter. This product is ideal for airbrush practice, panel-line work, and decal-heavy builds. Look in our Scale Model Supplies.
- 1/144 Airplane Model Kits
- 1/72 Scale Airplane Model Kits
- 1/48 Scale Airplane Model Kits
- 1/32 Scale Airplane Model Kits
- Civil Airliner Model Kits
- Helicopter Plastic Model Kits
Watercraft Models
From 1/200 capital ships to 1/700 fleets, plus Patrol Boats, Sailing Ships, and Submarines—perfect canvases for weathering, filters, and rust streaks. Look in our Scale Model Supplies.
- 1/350 Ship Model Kits
- 1/700 Ship Model Kits
- Patrol Boat Model Kits
- Sailing Ship Kits
- Submarine Model Kits
Military Models (Armor & Figures)
- Model tanks: 1/35 Scale
- 1/48 Tank Model Kit
- 1/72 Tank Model Kit
- Artillery Model Kits
- Armored Vehicle
- Scale Model Military Figures
Vehicle Models (Road & Transport)
Build glossy show cars, weathered trucks, and detailed bikes with categories for Car Models, Diecast Cars, Motorcycles, and Transport Vehicles.
- Car Model Kits Plastic
- Diecast Model Cars
- Motorcycle Model Kits
- Transport Vehicles Models
Diorama & Specialty
Stage your scenes with Diorama World, Architecture/Buildings, Figures, Guillows Balsa, Rocket Kits, Metal Model Kits, Space, and more. This is an excellent tool for practicing terrain, pigments, and lighting techniques. Look in our Scale Model Supplies.
- Diorama World
- Model Kits of Buildings
- Figure Model Kits
- Guillows Balsa Kits
- Flying Model Rocket Kits
- Metal Model Kits
- Space Model Kits
Tools & Accessories (your Scale Model Supplies HQ)
Round out the cart with Airbrush & Aircompressor gear, Hobby Tool Paints, Glues, Tool Sets, and Painting Aids—everything you need from primer to clear coat to make those plastic model kits pop.
Start with the core toolkit (start here). These are the essentials you’ll reach for on every build. If you are upgrading from a beginner set, please consider prioritizing these first. Look in our Scale Model Supplies.
- Sprue cutters
Flush-cut your parts from the runners with minimal stress to the plastic. Look for a fine, single-edge nipper for tight spaces. - Hobby knife (precision knife)
You’re the clean-up MVP. This tool is ideal for trimming gates, shaving putty, and scribing fine lines. Keep spare blades—sharp equals safe. - Sanding sticks & micro files
A range from 400 to 2000 grit handles everything from seam removal to mirror smoothing. Foam-backed sanding sticks help keep surfaces flat. - Cutting mat
Self-healing mats protect blades and your desk. The grid makes measuring and squaring parts painless. - Tweezers (straight & curved)
This product is intended for photo etch, decals, and tiny cockpit parts. Look for anti-static, fine tips that won’t fling parts into the carpet void. - Model glue & adhesives
- Extra-thin cement for capillary action along seams
- Thick plastic cement for structural joints
- CA (super glue) for resin and photo-etched parts
- PVA for clear parts (no fogging)
- Model paints & primer
Consistent color starts with a good primer. Pair with lacquer, acrylic, or enamel model paints depending on your workflow. - Masking tape (model-grade)
Low-tack tape prevents pulls and bleeds. Narrow widths are perfect for canopies and two-tone schemes. - Putty/filler
The product fills gaps and sink marks. Water-based putties sand easily; two-part epoxies hold details and edges. - Pins, vises, and microdrill bits
For drilling gun barrels, adding wiring, and pinning fragile parts. This is a game-changer for subjects that require a lot of detail. - Decals & setting solutions
Micro-set/sol or similar softeners help decals conform to rivets and panel lines for paint-like results. - Clear coats
Use gloss for decals and washes, and use matte/satin for the final finish. A predictable, clear system ties your paint job together.
Ready to kit out or upgrade? Look in our Scale Model Supplies.
Paint systems that deliver paint include brushes, rattle cans, or airbrushes.
- Brush painting: Perfect for small details and figure work. Choose self-leveling acrylics or enamels; thin in multiple passes.
- Rattle cans: Great for primer and large coverage if you don’t have an airbrush. Warm the can slightly for smoother atomization.
- Airbrush kit: The gold standard for smooth gradients, mottling, and soft camo edges. Look for a dual-action airbrush and a quiet compressor with a moisture trap.
Pro workflow: Primer → Base coat → Panel line wash → Decals → Weathering → Clear coat (matte/satin). That sequence minimizes silvering and protects your work at each stage.
Adhesives decoded (and when to use them)
- Extra-thin cement: Wick along a seam; it melts and welds plastic for invisible joins.
- Thick cement: Gives you working time to align big subassemblies like hulls and fuselages.
- CA glue: Instantly bonds resin aftermarket parts and photo-etched parts. Use a fine applicator and de-bonder nearby.
- Epoxy: For heavy loads or mixed materials (metal to plastic).
- PVA (white glue): Clear parts and lenses—no fogging, easy cleanup.
Detail upgrades that elevate your build
- Photo-etched parts: Ultra-thin metal adds scale-correct grills, seat belts, and hinges. Use CA and a bending tool.
- Resin aftermarket parts: Replacement cockpits, wheels, and figures sharpen detail beyond what’s in plastic model kits.
- Decals & transfers: Layer national insignia with stencils, data plates, and instrument panels for depth.
- Weathering powders & pigments: Fast, forgiving dust, rust, and soot effects—fix with pigment binder or a light clear.
- LED lighting for models: Bring sci-fi ships, cars, and structures to life with basic wiring kits and fiber optics.
Surface prep & finishing secrets
- Surface leveling: Wet-sand primer with 1000–2000 grit. You’re not removing primer—just knocking down micro grain.
- Panel line accent: A thin oil or enamel wash over gloss finds every line; clean excess with a dampened cotton bud.
- Chipping: Sponge metallics onto high-wear edges, or use hairspray/chipping medium between layers for realistic flakes.
- Clear coat control: Gloss for depth (cars, bikes, show planes); matte or satin for armor and aircraft realism.
Workspace, organization, and safety
- Ventilation: A spray booth and respirator make painting safer and more consistent.
- Lighting: Neutral-white lamps and a small head-mounted loupe for detail sessions.
- Tool storage: Magnetic bars for pliers and cutters; small drawer organizers for bits and decals.
- Safety: Cut away from your body; cap blades immediately; keep CA off skin and away from eyes.
Starter vs. advanced shopping lists. Look in our Scale Model Supplies.
Starter (budget-friendly)
- Sprue cutters, hobby knife
- 400–2000 grit sanding sticks
- Cutting mat, tweezers
- Extra-thin model glue + thick cement
- Acrylic primer and a handful of model paints
- Gloss & matte clear coats
- Basic decals and setting solution
- Masking tape, panel line wash (premix or DIY)
Advanced (level-up)
- Dual-action airbrush kit + compressor
- Full paint system (primer, color, clears)
- Pin vise & micro bits, micro saws
- PE bending tool, micro-applicators for CA
- Photo-etched parts & resin aftermarket parts
- Weathering powders, oil paints, enamel filters
- LED lighting kit, fiber optics
- Specialty clamping jigs and alignment blocks
Common mistakes (and fast fixes)
- Silvered decals: Surface wasn’t glossy. Apply gloss before decals; poke tiny holes and re-soften with setting solution.
- Visible seams: Cement, clamp, and over-weld slightly; then sand and polish through finer grits.
- Orange-peel paint: Paint too thick or too far from surface. Thin more, spray closer, and build in light passes.
- Dust in finish: Wipe with tack cloth before painting; cover parts while drying; sand and re-clear if needed.
- Frosted clear parts: CA fogging—switch to PVA for canopies and lenses.
Smart buying tips
- Buy consumables in ranges: Sanding grits, micro brushes, and swabs get used constantly.
- Stay system-consistent: Primer, color, and clear from compatible lines = fewer surprises.
- Replace blades often: A $0.30 blade prevents a $30 disaster.
- Plan your decal game:Get stencils and data placards with your base kit—don’t wait until paint day.
- Keep a “build bin”: Toss spare decals and PE leftovers in a labeled box; they’re gold on future projects.
FAQs
What Scale Model Supplies should I buy first?
Start with precision cutting (sprue cutters, hobby knife), surface prep (sanding sticks, primer), and reliable adhesives (extra-thin and thick cement). Add decals, gloss/matte clear coats, and masking tape for immediate gains.
Do I really need an airbrush kit?
Not mandatory, but it unlocks smooth finishes, subtle weathering, and advanced camo. If you brush-paint only, invest in a high-quality airbrush and self-leveling acrylics first. Find it in our Scale Model Supplies.
How do I make decals look painted on?
Gloss coat → decal with setting solution → panel line wash → seal with clear. Light heat (carefully) helps tough decals conform.
What’s the best way to store small parts?
Use compartment boxes and label them by sprue or step number. A small silicone mat prevents parts from bouncing away.
Ready to build cleaner, sharper models?
With the right Scale Model Supplies, you’ll spend less time fighting seams and more time enjoying the finish line. Explore curated tools, paints, adhesives, decals, and detail parts in handy categories, with clear photos and easy browsing so you can get back to building.
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