How do you apply HOK paints to model kits?

[Nobbys Nuts]

Apart from the obvious smart answer I would really like to know the
following.
I have always used Tamiya and Testors paints both bottled and
Spraycan. Sometimes I just spray the Tamiya straight from the can or
like with the Testors I spray it into a bottle and Airbrush it.
What I would like to know is how do you apply HOK paints from an
Aerosol can to a plastic kit.
I don't know if there is any difference between the bottled stuff
and the spray cans which is why I ask, but I will be getting my
hands on some Spraycans shortly and wish to spray it on using my
airbrush.
(1) Does the body need to be prepped with something first so it
doesn't eat it or not?
(2) Will it work over Tamiya primer? What primer will work?
(3) What will I use to clean my airbrush afterwards?
(4) What can be used to clearcoat over it?
Anything else you can think of for a first time user that might be a
trap.
Thanks in advance
Tony

[Veyron]

HoK paints are automotive lacquers whether it be a bottle paint or spray.


(1) Does the body need to be prepped with something first so it
doesn't eat it or not? Use primer first
(2) Will it work over Tamiya primer? What primer will work? Tamiya primer highly recommended but any automotive primer will work.
(3) What will I use to clean my airbrush afterwards? Lacquer thinner.
(4) What can be used to clearcoat over it? Any clear coat except for maybe Krylon's.
Anything else you can think of for a first time user that might be a
trap. If airbrushing HoK, Gunze's thinner seems to give best result.

[ZoomZoomMX-5]

I haven't used HOK from a spray can, I buy the bottles and airbrush it, thinning it w/Gunze Mr. Color Thinner. I would assume that could be used if what comes out of the spray can will not flow properly.

Use Tamiya primer, let it dry thoroughly, and you should get good results. You might try spraying it from the can as well, I've seen test bodies done w/o much care, and they look quite good. Their clearcoat in a can is very nice, from what I've seen and heard. It's worth a try to see if you really need to airbrush it or not. If you have a good polishing kit, you may be spending more time than necessary by using your airbrush.

[mike@af]

1) Prime it.
2) You should use the same brand and same type through out the paint. In this case, you need to use HoK primer, Basecoat, and clear coat among other products.
3) Laquer thinner should work, that is if you use an acrylic-laquer paint.
4)HoK Clear Coat

OTHER:
Use a high quality airbrush, HoK can ruin a low quality airbrush. If you need anything else ask, I am a professional automotive painter.

[dag65]

Nobby ,
Here is what has worked for me
Typical body prep
Duplicolor Primer, I am not sure about the Tamiya but I would think the HOK is much hotter than Tamiya aand will etch and cause crazing of the plastic.
Any good Automotive Primer should work
I thinnned the HOK with Automotive Lacquer thinner, however if you are using the sprays it should be pre thinned already
For clear coat you can use the HOK, Duplicolor has also worked for me as well as PPG clear

Kandy Tangerine over Zenith Gold, no polishing or Clear coat yet

I have also had good success using Duplicolor Silver as the base coat.
Good luck
PM me if you need anything

[Nobbys Nuts]

Veyron, ZoomZoom, GTMike, Dag65. Thanks to all you guys for your help. As you will appreciate I didn't want to stuff anything up wether it be model or Airbrush. HOK in small quantities is like gold to get out here so cant afford mistakes. Have also gone to the BlackGold website since posting from another referral. Once again much appreciated.
regards
Tony

[customminatures]

for primer i use the 94 cent stuff from walmart and i clear with testors HIGH gloss. or dupont

[dag65]

Originally Posted by customminatures

for primer i use the 94 cent stuff from walmart and i clear with testors HIGH gloss. or dupont

I need to try that Walmart Primer, its alot cheaper.
Nobby as long as the clear coat you use is not hotter than the base color you can use it.
So like custominiatures said testors will work.
Get painting and post up some pics!