paint-to-polish time?

after checking the FAQ i couldnt find these answers

how long after i have painted the body should i start polishing it?

another few q... should i hit it with a coat of clear coat before i polish?
when should i use my gundam marker inbetween the body panals, before the alleged clear coat or after?

After u spray it leave it for about 48 hours so it can completely dry. Then after 48 hours put some wax on it and wipe it off with a soft towel or old t-shirt, and after start buffing to make it shiny.:flash:

I think P-man leaves it for about a week... correct me if I am wrong though.

Originally posted by thug_9_6
I think P-man leaves it for about a week... correct me if I am wrong though.
This is true, you want the paint to harden before you do this, make sure you use Primer so the paint has something to grab on to.

Depending on the color, if it's metallic then you should use clear coat, also depends on the color, what color are we talking about here?

A general rule is to wait until the paint stops smelling like paint (it should then be though gassing out). So if it stinks, I wait until it doesnt anymore ;-)>
hth,
Bill

:bandit:

I use duplicolor paint, and I only wait maximum of two days for hte paint to fully dry. Sometimes even less

I took a shoebox and poked about 50 holes in the top with a knife, turned it upside down and stuck my model under it for a week. That way the paint can cure without getting any dust in it. I wouldn't even touch the paint for at least a week. I think it was about 8-9 days after painting it that I waxed it.

I wait for 1 week minimum.

The longer you wait, the safer you'll be.

Duplicolor lacquers are the fastest drying/curing, followed by Tamiya spray paints (at a minimum of 4 days). Keep in mind dry/cure rates are affected by ambient temperature (room temperature) and humidity. So if you put it in a cold room it will take more time to cure/dry. I'd say, to be on the safe side wait at least a week.

thanks guys!

the color i'm using is tamiya orange, and dont worry i put primer on before hand ;)

I wait for about 48-50 hours then i wax it with "Meguirers Wax":flash:

Originally posted by tc3house
after checking the FAQ i couldnt find these answers

how long after i have painted the body should i start polishing it?

another few q... should i hit it with a coat of clear coat before i polish?
when should i use my gundam marker inbetween the body panals, before the alleged clear coat or after?

Wait at least 7-10 days
I'm not a fan of clear coats. IMO if you get the paint sprayed on right and you give it a good rub and polish there is no need for clears.

I'd leave the panel lines to last if you are clear coating as they will turn out with a gloss look which they shouldnt be. Yopu need them to look like a matt finish..