primer question

I looked everywhere but can't seem to find an answer. How long should I let the Primer dry before I sand it and repaint it. I put two coats of testors primer on about a day and a half ago. also do I really even need to sand the primer?

It all depends. Some primers are sandable as soon as 15 minutes after spraying. I know that is the way it is with duplicolor. It also depends on the weather. High humidity or cool temperatures will affect the curing time. I would strongly recommend staying away from Testors spray paints, I know all that I've ever sprayed with were horrible. If you are left with no other option, make sure you always warm the can by letting it sit in HOT water for about 5-10 minutes.

Sanding, If the surface is rough or has imperfections, I would definately sand, especially if it is on the body. Wet Sand with 800 grit paper should do the trick. If you simply need to smooth the surface a little I use 2000 grit and wet sand

Thanks, What body paint would you recommend, I live in the US I keep hearing about duplicolor. Is it the same process as other paints? also as for clear coats, whould you stay away from testors? and should I final sand and polish after the clear?

I know these are noob questions, sorry, but you guys seem to have pretty much all the answers. thanks for all your help


Jerry

Tamiya's great if your hobby shop carries it. A bit more expensive. Tamiya's white primer is RAD!

Duplicolor is good. Available at most auto parts stores and Wal*Marts and the like. Duplicolor primer is really good, but it only comes in gray.

if I am gonna paint a dark color then a gray shoulden't matter thoough, right?

stay away from testors clear, it has a tendency to yellow. But no matter what you do, do not spray duplicolor clear over testors paint, it will have issues, I have had some success with the acrylic enamel or lacquer by duplicolor though. And yes, painting with duplicolor you should follow the same time tested procedures

Tamiya spay paint is probably the easiest to start with but if you want best results on a body use an airbrush and Cobra Colors or similar. There are other companies that make automotive colors for modeling like Model Car World, or you can use spray cans from the auto parts store. On the Cobra Colors website is also a great tutorial on how to use them, or any automotive lacquer on car models. I followed them and had great results the first time. You did not say wether you have an airbrush but IMO it is THE single most important investment for great models. And even a simple one will give you great results.

You did not say wether you have an airbrush but IMO it is THE single most important investment for great models. And even a simple one will give you great results.

:1:
My first AB cost less than 10 bucks, but it still kicked TS sprays...But it was a POC and didn't last for longer than 4 models.

just make sure you use a primer if using ANY laquer based paint. and as a general rule never use "hotter" paint over a "cooler" paint. example: ok to use enamel clear over laquer paint but not the other way around. it's ok to use acrylic clear over enamel but not the other way around (think of it this way, oil floats on water, and they don't mix).

primer is highly suggested if you plan on using acrylic paint on plastic. if it isn't used the paint has a tendancy to peel off, crack, or just rub off easier than normal.

these are all first hand experience suggestions.