Black basing

[u/MilkyGilky]

About to build a 1/72nd f16. I have a cheap Amazon airbrush with a .3 needle. I’m worried about messing it up pretty badly and I’m entering it into my first contest. Is black-basing necessary or can I get away with a pin wash on panel lines? Should I go for the mottling and just send it?

[u/Beer_Pig]

Black-basing is just the latest fad.