Reusable With Care
Low-tack vinyl can be returned to the backing sheet and reused multiple times when removed carefully.
Fallout Hobbies Field Manual
Airbrush Stencil Field Manual
Reusable low-tack vinyl airbrush stencils for crisp painted-on markings, camouflage, hazard stripes, panel effects, and weathering details on miniatures, armor, vehicles, terrain, and scale models.
No Airbrush Required
Use an airbrush, spray can, stippling brush, dry brush, or cosmetic sponge depending on the effect you want.
Painted-On Finish
Create markings, camo, hazard stripes, runes, panels, and texture effects directly in your chosen paint colors.
Built for Hobby Projects
Great for miniatures, armor panels, tanks, aircraft, terrain, RC bodies, and scale models.
Step 1
Prep the Surface
Make sure your paint is fully cured before applying the stencil. A clean, dry surface helps prevent lifting and keeps your final edge sharper.
Step 2
Peel Carefully
Use tweezers or a hobby knife for delicate shapes. Remove the stencil slowly so thin details do not stretch, tear, or fold back on themselves.
Photo credit: Lil Legend Studio
Step 3
Apply & Paint
Press the stencil flat against the model. Spray thin, controlled layers or stipple lightly; heavy wet coats are how paint bleeds under the edge.
Photo credit: Lil Legend Studio
Step 4
Remove & Reveal
Peel the stencil back slowly. Let the design dry completely before masking over it, weathering it, or sealing it with varnish.
Featured model tools: Vallejo, Reaper Master Series, and Com Art Medea airbrush paints; Iwata Hi-Line HP-CH airbrush; Rosemary & Co., Raphael 8040, Broken Toad, and Winsor & Newton Series 7 brushes.
Painted-On Results
Stencils let you paint the design directly onto the model, so markings can be shaded, chipped, weathered, and color-matched to your scheme.
Airbrush Stencils
- Painted directly onto the model: no clear carrier film around the design
- No silvering: the marking is paint, so there is no decal film to frost or flash
- Any paint color: match your exact army, armor, terrain, or display scheme
- Easy to weather naturally: chip, shade, fade, and grime the painted marking with the rest of the model
Waterslide Decals
- Printed film applied over paint: can leave visible edges if not sealed perfectly
- Can silver: clear film can show if the surface, gloss coat, or seal is not right
- Limited printed colors: you get the colors printed on the sheet
- Needs extra blending: often needs varnish and additional weathering to disappear into the paint job
Airbrush Stencil FAQ
Are Fallout Hobbies stencils reusable?
Yes. Our stencils are made from low-tack vinyl and are reusable with care. Place them back on the backing sheet between uses. Some customers have reused them up to five times.
Can your airbrush stencils be used without an airbrush?
Yes. Use stippling, dry brushing, or a sponge. Do not drag wet paint across the stencil; dab straight up and down with thin, mostly dry layers to help prevent bleeding.
How do I prevent paint bleeding?
Make sure the stencil sits flush, use thin paint, and apply several light coats instead of one heavy coat. Blu-Tack or low-tack masking tape can help hold flexible areas in place.
What are stencils best for?
Camouflage, hazard stripes, icons, panel details, armor markings, vehicles, terrain, aircraft, and weathering effects.
What paints work best?
Thin hobby acrylics, pre-thinned airbrush paints, or acrylics mixed with flow improver. Thick paint straight from the pot is asking for clogs and sadness.
How do I use stencils on curved surfaces?
Work slowly and press the stencil down in small sections. For larger curves, use low-tack masking tape or a tiny amount of Blu-Tack around the edges to keep the vinyl flush while you paint.
How do I build a camo pattern with stencils?
Start with your base color, then add one camo color at a time with thin, controlled layers. Let each layer dry before moving or rotating the stencil for the next color.