For real quick and simple scales, make up a scale jig. Take one of those plastic storage boxes (like you would store nuts and bolts in) that has an opening in the front. Stretch your scale mesh over top and attach to the sides. Duct tape works for this
Add a little weight to the bottom of the box. You can place the hose from your shop vac in this to suck up the over spray. To do the scales, paint your base color as usual and let dry. Once dry, stick the plug in the box (I usually have them with a piece of wire in the tail) and pull up so that the mesh wraps tight against the plug. Hit it lightly with your airbrush or spray can. Drop the plug down, flip, and pull the other side up on the mesh. Paint again. Scales in under 5 seconds
Jigman
Threaded Mode