Applying large complicated stencils to miniatures?

[Kokaka]

Hi all.

So, I'm thinking about returning to the hobby after a few years doing other things.
The first thing I will paint will be a Dark Eldar Razorwing and I'm thinking of covering the top chassis in some interesting design.

Does anyone have some tips for applying a large somewhat complicated stencil over an uneven area that will later be airbrushed? Like what material to use or some tips and tricks.

Will post photos if it becomes good

 

[Zab]

silly putty can give you nice organic shapes with soft edges. Otherwise I would get a thin piece of glass from a picture frame put your design under it and trace that design onto some tamyia masking tape on top of the glass. Cut it out and paste it on. Frisket is good too but can be hard to position without tearing. Also i have seen a few neat things done with good quality saran wrap (same dangers of tearing as frisket though). Hope one of those helps

 

[MAXXxxx]

use a frisket film. like the one here: http://howtoairbrush.com/frisket-film-airbrush-masking-material/

you may have to do some creative cutting because of the razorwing's shape, but it is thin enough to conform to most surfaces and lightly adhesive, so it'll stay in place during airbrushing. And you can precut your design on a flat surface and then lift it to place.
Just don't leave it for days there, it may adhere too much (actually the same is true for any masking tape / masking liquid too)

 

[Kokaka]

Thanks for the input guys