Brush painting.

I started work in the interior of my F40 lastnight (more specifically just the dash) and after it dried I noticed that the paint had lots of brush marks in it, and the paint surface looked very uneven (lots of different heights of paint). Now me being the perfectionist I am, I don't really want to tolerate this, and I was wondering how I can get around this?

Would a thicker brush make it more even?
Would thinning the paint at all make it smoother?
Do I really have to buy an Airbrush to get it looking good? :(

I had a quick brouse through the FAQ, and I couldn't find any answers in relation to this, so any help would be much appriciated :).

What type of paint are you using?

Brush strokes are from brushing over paint that's already starting to dry.

Enamel paint works best with brush painting, because it dries the slowest, so it has the longest time to level off before it dries.

Adding more thinner might help give you more working time. But, you'll have to put on more coats, since the paint will be thinner, and you'll have to wait for each coat to cure before doing the next...

Get a cheap testors airbrush. That is what I use now for my interiors.

I got mine for around 20 USD. Easy to clean to.

Originally posted by jay@af
What type of paint are you using?

Brush strokes are from brushing over paint that's already starting to dry.

Enamel paint works best with brush painting, because it dries the slowest, so it has the longest time to level off before it dries.

Adding more thinner might help give you more working time. But, you'll have to put on more coats, since the paint will be thinner, and you'll have to wait for each coat to cure before doing the next...


I'm using Tamiya Acrylic because it's the most readily avaliable around here, plus the selection is pretty good.

Would It also help to prime things like the dash and cockpit before I brush paint them? I'm always guilty of not priming things and hoping for the best :). This is the first model I've actually primed the body, and well needless to say it makes the whole opetation run smoother :).

my 70 Chevelle has that problem. i dont have an airbrush and at that time didnt have a spray can of paint. but, i got it now. buy some spray paint before you glue it onto your interior and spray over it. other wise, go with what dude up there said:D

Originally posted by bah humbug
Get a cheap testors airbrush. That is what I use now for my interiors.

I got mine for around 20 USD. Easy to clean to.

I like the sound of that :). Have you got any pics/links to places that sell them? I've been looking for an airbrush but the prices of the one's I've looked at really turned me off.

Tamiya also makes enamels.

i bought a testors bottle propelled airbrush, works great but you might go through cans quik so make sure u have a good supply

I can't help you that much I'll take pictures and Pm them to you.

You can get cheaps ones at wallmart, hobby shop, or internet.

Originally posted by bah humbug
I can't help you that much I'll take pictures and Pm them to you.

You can get cheaps ones at wallmart, hobby shop, or internet.


My local hobby shop only has the Tamiya Airbrush & Compressor combo, and in my opinion it's somewhat overpriced.

I'll do some research and see what I can find.

little off topic..
but if you live in the US.. east coast area .. and have michael's around. they usually have a 40% off one item coupon ever Sunday. They carry a good variety of air brushes. so if someone one wants one.. this might be a good deal.

for my interior i sprayed it with some all purpose flat black i found in my basemen. What u want ot do is put 2 or 3 coats of paint on the interior looks good here is a pic. I hope this helps.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/156214integramodel001.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/185742integramodel003.jpg

Originally posted by IntegraTypeR186
for my interior i sprayed it with some all purpose flat black i found in my basemen. What u want ot do is put 2 or 3 coats of paint on the interior looks good here is a pic. I hope this helps.


Thanks.
I would do it flat black, because I have some of that in spray can, but the dash on the F40 is a dark grey (German Grey in the Tamiya colour chart). They do make a German Grey spraypaint, but I don't think it's a flat colour. And also I need to mix a yellow and a grey to get the carbon fiber look in the interior of the model, which I won't be able to get from a can.

Use enamals as they take longer to dry therefore giving you more time to work with the paint.
Heat the bottle of paint in warm water first as this helps thin the paint down and makes it flow better.
If you are doing a fairly large area....put quite abit onto the brush and work quickly before it dries.
Dry not to keep going over the same area as it becomes "tacky" and you will start to pull the paint off.
Allow plenty of drying time(4-5 hours at a warm room temp) to put a second coat on if need

I always peel of the previous coat when I put another coat over top! So I have to end up doing it real thick and which then covers up detailed grooves and markings.

I think I'll try spray painting next time.

Hey also has anyone used a semi-gloss paint for the interior (ie. semi-gloss black)? Does it come out realistic and not too shiney, or do you have to use matt black??
Its just it would be much more cost-effective for me to by a can of semi-gloss black as I can use that for window trims and the front lip on the Skyline GTR R34. As matt black I could use only for the interior.

Originally posted by MEKANIK

Hey also has anyone used a semi-gloss paint for the interior (ie. semi-gloss black)? Does it come out realistic and not too shiney, or do you have to use matt black??
Its just it would be much more cost-effective for me to by a can of semi-gloss black as I can use that for window trims and the front lip on the Skyline GTR R34. As matt black I could use only for the interior.


Semi-gloss black always looks a little too shiny still when I've used it for interiors before. But when you think about it, if you buy semi-gloss and matt black, each can will last you longer seeing as you don't do everything with the 1 can :).

Originally posted by primera man
Use enamals as they take longer to dry therefore giving you more time to work with the paint.
Heat the bottle of paint in warm water first as this helps thin the paint down and makes it flow better.
If you are doing a fairly large area....put quite abit onto the brush and work quickly before it dries.
Dry not to keep going over the same area as it becomes "tacky" and you will start to pull the paint off.
Allow plenty of drying time(4-5 hours at a warm room temp) to put a second coat on if need

I noticed on your Enzo building thread, you brush painted the seats, and they looked amazing. I take it you used enamal for that? What brand did you use, and where abouts did you get the paints from?

I just tried expirmenting on a part from one of my older models, and I still had no luck using acrylic. I think I'm going to have to buy more paints.

One last question. I've seen brushes with sponge heads, instead of bristles, does anyone know how well these work? Or shouldn't I waste my time with them?