A few completed builds

[ddtham]

Excellent finishes on all of them. How did the Wet Look Clear works? did you have any problems with the nozzle?

[tonioseven]

Hey Jimmy!!! Great to see your builds!! These are fantastic!!

[Jimmy'Z]

Thanks again for all the nice comments. Really gives me the drive (no pun intended) to complete the other builds I have in the works. I had a couple messages sent to me asking about the finish, so I figured that I would share my process. I have been using mostly rattle cans for all the exterior painting. However, I have used http://scalefinishes.com paints for a previous 350z that I posted a few months back. Here is the link to that post http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=925316
I am also currently painting with Hiroboys Zero Paints. http://www.hiroboy.com/catalog/index...eb26abcf20bd31
Very similar to scalefinishes. I have used several clears but I find the Wet Look Clear to work really well. I usually let the can soak for a while in warm water and spray at least 3 coats of clear. After a couple weeks I polish out the finish with micromesh 3200, 3600 and 4000. Then I use the Tamiya compounds, coarse, fine and finish. I then do all window trims and bare metal foil. The final shine is Meguiars Gold Class wax. It really produces a nice shine. I have found with the Tamiya compounds that their are some models that I can skip the micromesh on. However, right now, I'm really striving for that mirror shine. I guess my next step would be to start adding more detail but with the economy where it is, it's hard for me to justify that extra cost right now.

[Jimmy'Z]

For some reason I can't seem to edit my post. So I just wanted to answer ddtham's question about the Wet Look Clear nozzle. I have probably used over 15 cans of this spray with no problem. However, the last can that I used seemed to leak from the base of the nozzle. I decanted it into a small jar and sprayed it through my airbrush with very good results.

[ddtham]

Jimmy,

Thank you for the reply and info. Any luck shooting the Wet Look Clear over decals? I've been looking for another Clear that is safe over decals like Gunze Sangyo's Mr. Top Coat (hard to get in my LHS).

Seeing your wonderful builds made me want to give Testors another try.

[Jimmy'Z]

DDTHAM, No problems with shooting the wet look over decals. I have a "Dukes of Hazzard" Charger in the works and I sprayed the Wet Look over the decals with no problems. I did let the decals dry for a few days before I sprayed. I also misted on the first couple of clear coats followed by a couple wet coats. I have already polished out that body and i'm very happy with the results. You may just want to test a spare decal on a scrap piece and spray, just to ensure compatibility. However, I think you'll be fine.

[ddtham]

Jimmy,

Thank you very much for your helpful insights!!

[The Sheene Machine]

For your first ten models - you clearly have natural talent. A very high standard indeed - nice clean finishes and great paint.

[Golden_Cross]

Jimmy,What an AWESOME display..No need to appologize for the photo quality either..I do believe you have the finishing detail under control..VERY nice job..I can't pick a favorite but that GTX stands out in the crowd..NICE....Please post more photo's whenever you feel the urge!!!!