Japanese aircraft from the World War II era had wheel bays finished in an anti-corrosion paint known as aotake, a bright metallic blue that creates quite a dramatic effect.

Here is a simple way to reproduce the notable Japanese finish.

First make sure you have masked the wheel bay area completely, 1.

Second, airbrush a coat of a very shiny color in the wheel bays. I like to use chrome silver, 2.

Third, airbrush a light coat of Tamiya clear blue, 3.

It’s that easy. You have now reproduced the aotake finish in your aircraft’s wheel bay, 4.

Tip submitted by:
Pablo Bauleo
Fort Collins, Colo.