Double Xcellent Model, DXM, from Tawain has provided the IPMS/USA reviewer corps with a set of painting stencils (weathering/rusted) to give a splotchy/mottle look to your kits. These are made from a soft silicone material and can conform over complex surfaces. These should be used in conjunction with an airbrush to get the best results.

In the Package

DXM provided four different stencils each individually packaged.

• Type 1 is a random jagged edge stencil.
• Type 2 is similar to Type 1 but with smaller holes.
• Type 3 has more rounded holes of varying sizes.
• Type 4 is a smaller version of Type 1 & 3 and on one sheet.

Types 1, 2, & 3 are titled as “Dual Effects” since on side has a flush surface to allow for a more solid demarcation line when place on the surface. The other side has a space or bilevel edge to create a softer demarcation line.

Type 4 is a “Dual Modes” stencil since it has two stencil patterns but no bilevel edge.

Review Process

To see how these stencils work, I placed them on styrene sheet and proceeded to airbrush one side, then turned it over and airbrushed the other side.

Stencil Types 1-3 has a sharper demarcation pattern on one side and a softer one on the other side due to the bilevel edge.

Type 4 stencil will have a sharper demarcation pattern on both sides but you can create an opposite pattern when turning it over.

Conclusion

Highly Recommended. These are great stencils for airbrushing more random patterns on your models and will allow the weathering/rusting look you may be hoping to achieve without the time-consuming mottling process of free-hand airbrushing. In addition, their flexibility will allow you to form the stencil over complex surfaces and allow you paint into corners or around a fuselage.

I want to thank Double Xcellent Model (DXM) for providing these painting stencils and IPMS/USA for allowing me the opportunity to review.