New to Auto: Nissan Calsonic R34

[newnikonian]

Hi All
I am a newbie starting out with my first build. I will post my questions and build progress here. Please help with suggestions and guidence.
I have started with the body after glueing the fender cleaned the parting line and slightly sanded with 2000.
I will post some pics tomorrow.

I used to airbrush everything for armor after completing the build. But in auto I need to paint first and fix. I assue we will be using super glue most of the time for parts that are already painted. Am I correct??

What is the usual method of painting for smaller parts like brake disks / suspenssion / radiators etc.?? I think using airbrush will be too time taking because most of the time will be spent in cleaning than painting itself and masking.

If handpainting is the usual method than which paint I need to buy? For airbrush I use Lacuer based Mr.color series and for hand painting Armor tools etc I use Andria water colors. Should I buy Tamiya acralic paints for Hand painting?? OR stick with masking airbrushing exclusively?

How different it is to use CF decals compared to waterslide decals?

Sorry for all these questions in my first post

Need all your help to finish this and this site is part of the reason to start CARS in the first place

Have a Great Day and happy modeling

[newnikonian]

I have read most of the threads including
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...ead.php?t=6125


This is a WIP thread with few questions thrown in... I know most of the questions I have asked has been answered a thousand times atleast.

But feel free to post your views none the less

[Spike2933]

CF decals from SMS is very delicate and using Micro Set/Sol is a huge plus.

[stevenoble]

I always airbrush almost everything including all the little parts if possible.You'll get a much better finish this way.I brush paint only when I absolutely must if airbrushing is impossible or not feasible.If you do need to brush paint the odd item I have never had very good results with the Tamiya acrylics but the Tamiya enamels are excellent for brush painting.On the use of superglue certain types fog the part you are gluing and you must position the parts you are gluing first time or it will be hard to remove something if you stick it in the wrong place.Superglue has it's uses but other useful glues like wood glue,epoxy glue and liquid cement are also worth having in your tool box.

[newnikonian]

Hi Steve, Thanks for the tip. How do you manage with correct color if you air brush everythin. Some colors are only available in Spray cans only. I read somewhere to collect the spray paint air brush for more control. Is this how you do it??

Hi Spike I am using Gunze equalant of the same product u mentioned. Thanks for the heads up

[rallymaster]

Hello, and welcome to car modelling !

I use only Citadel paints (from Games Workshop figurines hobby), they are acrylic paints so very easy to use, with water, and moreover easy to strip if you make mistakes.
They can be airbrushed too, even if it's not the best use for these paints (water make them dry less easyly than other ones).

You can find a big range of colors, especially metallic colors.

When I can't find any color match with Citadel, I try Tamiya or for the last solution Humbrol (happened only one or two times...)

I use to handpaint small parts after applying primer from the can (Citadel primer too, or sometimes Automotive paints - for metal kits most of the time) but essentialy because I am too lazy to airbrush those parts...

moreover for really small parts or detailled ones, on my opinion handpainting must stay be the best way because even if you airbrush them you'll need to take a brush in your hands for finishing and detailling of the parts (brake disk for example always need a wash...) so you won't be able to use only airbrush.

I am surely not the best models painter here but never have had special troubles with my painting work... (except when not respecting drying delays etc)


Happy car modelling, and please feel free to share your results with us !

[stevenoble]

Originally Posted by newnikonian

Hi Steve, Thanks for the tip. How do you manage with correct color if you air brush everythin. Some colors are only available in Spray cans only. I read somewhere to collect the spray paint air brush for more control. Is this how you do it?

You can use a drinking straw on the end of the spraycan and spray the paint through the straw into a suitable jar then use the paint through your airbrush.

[godfather23]

I kind of hand paint all the small parts since I don´t have an airbrush and it is way too expensice to have rattle cans in all the colors. So - before you start making major investments in high priced spray cans - try enamel or acrylic colors. You´ll need them anyways in case you need to rework or touch up small areas after assembly, etc.
All in all you will need to make your own experiences. There is no "100%-this-is-the-best-way-for-everyone-paint-guide"! But all the hints given above are very helpful. Be sure to ask in the forum, when you are not sure, what to do. You most likely get a lot of help and good tips.

So welcome to the Forum.

[newnikonian]

Hi rallymaster, I never used citadel paints. I checked them out in a hobby shop and they have huge collection. But for me I think I will stay with Mr.Collor and Tamiya enamels. Thanks for the info. I bought a earth color for touch up my armor build though

Hi Steve, Thanks I will try this. For this build I found a equalant Mr.Color though

Godfather, I followed your advice and bought some enamel or acrylic. I like them better. I think I am good o go for now. Thanks for the suggestion.

I will post some updates today.

[newnikonian]

Some updates. Started with the body, cleaned and finished one coat of primer.






The rear and front suspenssion were completed and painted









Please let me know ways to improve. and point out mistakes if any. Decals not yet fixed on brake disks.

Now planning to sand the body and prepare for next coat of primer. or the chasis I think I can go ahead with the first coat of blue. Right??

Have a Great Day.

[migper]

Hi

Are you sure that is your first build? Its very good. You will learn with your mistakes. After you made your first build you will look at them, and see where you could improve, so at 2nd build it will be much better than first, and so on.
The most important thing is that you enjoy the build and be happy for do it. Don't worry if your first is not so perfect as many builds that we see in this forum, because no one, at the first build made a perfect work.
Congratulation and keep going.

Miguel
Portugal

[newnikonian]

Hi Miguel

Thanks for your encouragement. Cars were scary especially after seeing some of the scrach built ones

I think I enjoy Cars I bought my next car a ferrari 360. I think I will start that after I gain more experience. Thanks again for the reply

[KevHw]

Great progress so far especially for a first build. Can't wait to see more as I'm thinking of buying this kit in the next few days...hopefully if my LHS still has it by then . Good photography too.

[gionc]

Nice job I have to say. Clean start.