Car Modelling Questions

[JLPower]

I'm new to car modelling so I have a few inquiries to ask. First of all, can I just use any primer, spray paint, and clear coat designed for plastic? The kit I chose is the Revell Ferrari California, so which parts should I spray and which parts should I use a paint brush? And since the engine compartment is black on the car, would I mask off the engine compartment when painting the body? Help is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.

[lemansnut]

Generally speaking yes, most paints for plastics will work on your model but it's really not that quite that easy. Enamels will work but take a long time to dry, laquers dry quickly but most will require a primer or they will attach the plastic. Model paints (Testors, Tamiya, etc.) will be safe but also more expensive than non hobby specific brands (Krylon, etc.). I try and spray just about everything and use a brush only for small details but I use an airbrush. If you're using spray cans that will be more difficult because it harder to control the amount of paint you're spraying. Another basic rule of thumb is paint lighter colors first, then darker colors over, such as when painting your engine bay. It's much harder for a light color to cover dark than vice-versa. Hope this helps.

Mike

[Didymus]

For beginning modelers, there is nothing easier or better than Tamiya TS-Series spray-can paints. They do cost more, but they give great results with minimum hassle. Many hobby shops carry them, or you can get them on-line at places like Burbank House of Hobbies - http://www.houseofhobbies.com - or Scale Hobbyist - http://www.scalehobbyist.com


Definitely prime the body. But before you do, sand off any visible mold lines, sink marks, etc. Tamiya grey primer is temporarily unavailable in the U.S., so use white instead. After you prime, check again for defects, sand them off, and prime again.

Tamiya TS spray paints have beautiful gloss without the need for clear-coating. Holding the nozzle about eight inches away, give the body a couple of light coats, let it dry for a few hours, then apply a slightly wetter coat or two. Let the body sit for a couple of days while you work on chassis and interior stuff.

To polish the body, start by wetsanding with 1500 / 2000 grit paper, then use the Tamiya polishes. Many modelers swear by fine grade automotive polishes like Meguiars Scratch-X. If you burn through to the primer, give the body a good scrubbing in soapy water, dry well, and give it another coat.

You don't have to "rough up" Tamiya TS before you apply another coat. The new coat will just melt into the previous one.

For chassis and interior parts, you can also use Tamiya TS series paints. They come in flat, semi-gloss and glossy. Priming is optional. You can just apply them directly; they won't damage styrene.

Like Lemansnut said, spray everything! Batch small parts and paint them together. Use a hand-brush for touch-up and the odd little part that you forgot to spray.

One more thing: the new edition of Scale Auto Magazine features painting and prep techniques. It'll be very helpful to you.

Good luck with that Ferrari!

[JLPower]

thanks everyone for all the help, I'll be sure to try them.

[drunken monkey]

strangely enough, there are two stickied threads with important next to them that while being rather old and possibly in need of an update, has answers to everything a new modeller could ask.

faqs
tutorial + how-to list

[JLPower]

Originally Posted by drunken monkey

strangely enough, there are two stickied threads with important next to them that while being rather old and possibly in need of an update, has answers to everything a new modeller could ask.

faqs
tutorial + how-to list

Yes you are somewhat correct and I have read the important next to them, however it does not indicate which parts to spray and which to paint as I have no idea. And it also doesn't indicate if I can use any kind of spray paint for plastic, which I wanted to confirm.

[blueboost]

Stay away from enamel for the main body. Lacquer, especially the tamiya spray cans, will be the easiest way to achieve a decent paint job for non-pro/non-airbrush modelers (like us).

Good luck with the Cali. I'm working on an Enzo after a good 5 year break from modeling. Our brand new dining room table has been taken over by modeling gear..

[JLPower]

I would like to try some tamiya spray cans, but I don't know where to find them in Canada. What is the real disadvantage of enamel paint other than it dries slowly? Would something like this be okay?

[blueboost]

the big disadvantage is the cure time. Enamel can take weeks/months/forever to dry enough to be polished out. Im in the US so I dont know where to refer you, but you should be able to order Tamiya rattle cans. Try finding a local hobby shop, or just opt for lacquer instead of enamel if you can. If you already have enamel, go for it. I sprayed the Enzo with black enamel primer, then used several coats of Testors bright red enamel for the main color. Having just done an enamel body, I was reminded why I had left these to the side unused for so long. Not bad, just not the most ideal.

[JLPower]

Originally Posted by blueboost

the big disadvantage is the cure time. Enamel can take weeks/months/forever to dry enough to be polished out. Im in the US so I dont know where to refer you, but you should be able to order Tamiya rattle cans. Try finding a local hobby shop, or just opt for lacquer instead of enamel if you can. If you already have enamel, go for it. I sprayed the Enzo with black enamel primer, then used several coats of Testors bright red enamel for the main color. Having just done an enamel body, I was reminded why I had left these to the side unused for so long. Not bad, just not the most ideal.

Oh I see thanks for the info, would these be okay then if I can't find lacquer? I'm not sure what kind of paint they are though.

[corvettekid_7684]

I've been using Krylon a lot, but have switched to Duplicolor automotive paints for my bodies, using their primer/sealer to prime. (BTW, I don't have an airbrush) As far as which parts to spray, and which to brush, that is entirely up to you. Personally, I just cannot get a decent finish with a brush, and try to use them only for small parts, or small detailing.
I'm sure you will learn a lot after the first model or two!! Good luck!!

[JLPower]

Originally Posted by corvettekid_7684

I've been using Krylon a lot, but have switched to Duplicolor automotive paints for my bodies, using their primer/sealer to prime. (BTW, I don't have an airbrush) As far as which parts to spray, and which to brush, that is entirely up to you. Personally, I just cannot get a decent finish with a brush, and try to use them only for small parts, or small detailing.
I'm sure you will learn a lot after the first model or two!! Good luck!!

thanks for the info, so krylon is pretty decent?