So I paint models, some of you may have seen some of them, but when I look at some of the folks here who also paint, I'm often blown away at the incredible level of detail you guys are able to do.

For example - Straight Lines. Someone did a really nice A-Wing repaint with a perfect triangle in the front.

How do you do Straight lines? I've tried using tape, but the paint tends to bleed under the tape so I can't get them that way. I can get a LITTLE straight by hand with a fine brush, but not even close to the amazing quality of some of you guys.

What are your secrets for doing ultra fine detail?

For me, the trick is two-fold: use a brush with long bristles, and practice. A LOT. You can get good at it, but it takes a steady hand and some touchups to get straight lines. The long bristles help make the line straight, because they are naturally straight, and you can make rather long pinstripes with the right brush. But you also need to make sure to move the brush itself in a straight line, otherwise it will still be wobbly.

Masking tape works for me. Maybe it is due to the airbrush. Here's some things to try: use a different tape, press it down harder, paint perpendicular to the tape.

The chevrons I just posted, that I did on the wings of the TIE/lns, I used tamiya masking tape, and the more or less dry brushed a couple layers on it.. I did get a little bleed with one part, but touch up was easy.. I am a fan of tape and what it can be used for.. others with a more steady hand can do some amazing work as well. I'm by no means a master of the craft, but I can look at the work I've done and am proud of my accomplishments.

I paint my freehand stripes and markings thinly over several layers, touching up any unevenness with a layer of the base color. Eventually this straightens out the final shape. Rodent Mastermind has a couple of free-hand tutorials in his thread that visually applies the process to complex shapes like faction symbols and lettering.

Silly putty works well on small scale models like these, it gets down in the small places tape cannot, never dries and is very easy to shape with small tools...

If you're using masking tape, make sure your brush isn't loaded too much. If your paint is wet and runny, it'll bleed. Try a nearly dry brush over the tape onto the model in successive layers and you should avoid the bleeds. Once you've removed the tape you can carefully work some paint down any panel line recesses that have been missed.

Good suggestions!