help help, im a newbie to the model world

[Thing-A-Majig]

hi guys, looking at all of your models made my fingers feel itchy. i had to run out and buy a kit of my own, but i ran into a problem already . i cant seem to get the primer on the body of the car coat smooth enough to give the actual paint a nice glassy finish. i just used a plain old plastics primer, then smoothed it out with some steel wool, and then painted the car.... i dont understand how you guys can get the primer so smooth, is there some trick to it that im missing? ive read the guide on how to paint car bodies, and i followed it, but im still stuck...
cant anyone help me?

[ales]

Welcome along!

Maybe you shouldn't have used "steel wool"... Good old sandpaper is what you want, use it with water and a drop or two of dishwashing liquid. You probably want 600-800 grit before primer, and 800-1200 after.

What are you working on?

[Thing-A-Majig]

i see that may be my problem because i have not been able to find anything finer than 600 grit even at hobby shops

[Thing-A-Majig]

oh yes i fergot to mention, im working on an evo vii gsr from fujimi, the interior came along very nicely, but im stuck on the body of the car right now

[ales]

Originally posted by Thing-A-Majig
i see that may be my problem because i have not been able to find anything finer than 600 grit even at hobby shops

I assume you have tried looking in hardware stores?

[Guiddy]

Surely there is a Car Accessory store near by? That's where I get all my stuff!
You want to be using 800 grade on the plastic, and 1200 to smooth the primer.

[Thing-A-Majig]

well, there are only 2 model specialty stores in my area, and they are both about 30 minutes away from me. maybe ill try and get them to special order some stuff for me . but when i get the proper sand paper, should i be sanding the primer after every coat?

[Guiddy]

No, just put 2 or 3 coats on and then sand it smooth after 24 hours.
You may want to stop and check for any preparation imperfections after the first coat though.

[primera man]

Originally posted by Thing-A-Majig
well, there are only 2 model specialty stores in my area, and they are both about 30 minutes away from me. maybe ill try and get them to special order some stuff for me . but when i get the proper sand paper, should i be sanding the primer after every coat?

As Dan said....dont sand between coats of primmer.
The very small particles are to hard to get off and will effect the next layer of paint.