well, here is my progress so far on trying to repaint the Default FS9 Baron 58.
it has taken a long time to even do this much, and I still have the Engine housings to do too.

ugh... looks like it's going to be a long night.... (anyone have any Kripsy Kreme Doughnuts and Vault soda?? Im gonna need a 'pick me up' in a while..)

im not. every time I try to paint certain areas, the paint runs all over the table (out side of the lines).  Microsoft did not do a very good job of having ending lines on their paints/textures. UGH!!!!

Capt.Propwash, I hope you are not using Microsoft Paint, as it is very limited for aircraft painting. I'd go with something more flexible, like paint.net. It has a lot more tools, but is still very simple to use. Plus it has layers, so you won't have to redo the rivets. The easiest thing is just to load your texture, create a new layer, set that layer to Multiply, and paint on that. You can also edit the paint out of the bottom layer so that you have a white texture to paint.

I use GiMP - free, has layers, and is basically Paint.net.

I see Patchz keeps preaching the use of layering and I will back him up every time!! Layers, layers, layers. I thought I was a good texturer back before i knew layering. I had no idea! What was I thinking?
There's too much to learn right from the start, but don't put off learning how layers work for very long. It makes life easier, not harder.
I am an avid Paint Shop Pro user. I tried v9 and stepped back to v8. And Photo Shop is just plain evil imo. 
John

Good job! Especially for a first time attempt!
If you're new to repainting though, even though some of the other's are sugesting layers, I wouldn't suggest it.  I do good repaints all the time with just the regular image, no layers. Alot of times even no alpha.  (I wouldn't suggest getting into alpha channels until you're second or third attempt.)  But that's just what I find easy.
    By the way, if you want to speed things up, I would suggest checking out Paint.NET (It's not a website it's a program).  It's a very good painting program and is able to save files in the necessary format of FSX so you don't have to use DXTBMP.  Also, you're able to adjust the levels of leaniency (I think that's how it's spelled) of the fill tool, meaning you can adjust that even colors that are slightly diffrent from the one you clicked will be changed to that color.  But the best part is, if you ask me, it's free. (I don't support it, I'm just suggesting it)

Layers simply allow you to keep items separated. That's it. But than one ability will open up a whole new world. You can lay down graphics on a layer as usual. Now create a new layer and lay down more graphics as usual, but now you can paint UNDER other layers. They won't touch each other. Same file, different layers.

And alpha channels (files) are indeed a whole new experience. Darker reflects more light. Dark is light, light is dark... gets a bit crazy until one has had their morning coffee.

John

You're very welcome.

But don't give up, just take your time and maybe look at some tutorials. It will come.