1/24 Pantera GTS

[marcod13]

appreciate the tip, thank you!

[MPWR]

Just as DM said, that primer needed much, MUCH more sanding before paint. The primer needs to be sanded until it is completely smooth and even. If it has any texture in it at all, it will simply ruin whatever you spray over it. At auto parts stores (and maybe even at walmart) you can get packs of finishing sandpaper- 1200, 1500, and 2000. 2000 may or may not be excessive on primer (I certainly use it sometimes), but the primer should be worked until it is flawless. Paint hides no flaws- if there is a flaw in the primer, you will see it in the paint.

Primer is the step that should take by far the most time and effort in painting a body. If you spend the time to get the primer right, the paint and clearcoat are quick and easy. If you don't get the primer right, there's nothing you can do with paint and clearcoat to correct it. My builds usually spend a week or more in priming, and a day or less each in painting and clearcoating.

If the walmart primer doesn't work so well for you, Tamiya grey primer is fantastic. Fairly expensive but definitely worth it.

[marcod13]

big thanks to you MPWR, i will definitely take in that priming and painting advice for my next projects, i already have those high grits so now i know how to use them.

[marcod13]

Heres the Pantera with the final paint finish and the decal application, these old decals were pretty tough to work with, and some of them crimpled especially around the fenders, but over all came out pretty good, I'm pleased.







Ill be assembling it soon.

[ianc911]

Still a touch rough, but if you are pleased, that's all that matters.

RE: the old decals, there are couple of products from Microscale industries called Microsol and Microset that can ease decal installation and help decals 'lie down' and conform to irregular surfaces. It's not too late to give them a try if you haven't cleared over the decals yet...

ianc

[marcod13]

Originally Posted by ianc911

Still a touch rough, but if you are pleased, that's all that matters.

RE: the old decals, there are couple of products from Microscale industries called Microsol and Microset that can ease decal installation and help decals 'lie down' and conform to irregular surfaces. It's not too late to give them a try if you haven't cleared over the decals yet...

ianc

Thanks, the decals are starting to set better the bubbles are pretty much gone, i used Testors Decal Set is the Microscale stuff the same?

[ianc911]

Haven't used the Testor's products, but typically the 'sol', or solvent is much stronger than the 'set', and will actually melt the decal to the surface, which can help it to adhere to curved surfaces like your fenders. The 'set' is much weaker and used for flat surfaces. You might see if you can grab the solvent type and give a whirl to get rid of the bubbles etc. I can see in your next to last shot (from the top of the car) that there are areas like the right rear fender where the solvent would definitely cure,

ianc

[marcod13]

Gotcha, ill buy a bottle and use it in the future.

[mstngcobrasvt98]

looks good. I did one of these cars a while back.. I believe it was made by Testors though. The arches hug the tires and look awesome. Its one of my favorite body styles. keep up the resurrection.