How do you get that super smooth model?

[JE123]

On the model that I am working on now the paint is not real shiny. I think the problem is that it is not smooth enough. When I run my hand across it, it feels bumpy. But it is not real bad. I think it just needs to be sanded. What sandpaper do you recommend.

How do you get it to look like this?

[Jay!]

Here's the stuff you want.

RUBBING/POLISHING COMPOUND
Item: 87021
http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/tools/images/87021.jpg

Though the tube only says "Compound" on it. I guess you're just supposed to know what it's for.

Edit: I guess they don't want me to leech the pic...

[primera man]

Originally posted by JE123
On the model that I am working on now the paint is not real shiny. I think the problem is that it is not smooth enough. When I run my hand across it, it feels bumpy. But it is not real bad. I think it just needs to be sanded. What sandpaper do you recommend.

How do you get it to look like this?

Before painting sand with 1200 wet n dry.
Always use a primmer first....lightly sanding between coats.
Spay your top coat on then use the Rubbing compound then the Tamiya wax for a real good polish.
With luck it will end up like this

[Guiddy]

If you can't get the Tamiya stuff, use a paint restoration compound from an Autoparts suppliers, and apply it with an old cotton T-shirt cut up.
You can get various gardes, so go quite fine. You don't want to rub the paint back off!

[genX]

Everytime I use rubbing compound, I end up taking too much paint off even if i don't rub so hard

[Jay!]

How many coats of body color and/or clear do you use?

[genX]

i usually put on about 3 coats until i get to the color I want using about 2 cans of tamiya spray paint! But I have never used a primer though. I'm definitely gonna give that a try in my next model

[Jay!]

Try some clear coats, too. You'll have more "material" to go through before you mess up the color.

[Guiddy]

It's easier if you use a basecoat and lacquer, as when you start to see colour ion the cloth, STOP RUBBING!