tamiya wrx questions

[datamike]

Working on the first model I've built since I was a teen (32 now), a Tamiya WRX sti. (matches the REAL WRX in my garage. :frog:
Anyway I have some basic questions for the more experienced modelers that have built the kit:

1: I am painting it the tamiya ts-50 mica blue color. after I've followed Guiddy's excellent painting advice, masked and painted the windows/trim, do I then add the decals and the big question, clearcoat?

2: Did you guys paint the body and rear spoiler separately and then assemble, or assemble and then paint?

Any other tips appreciated.

Michael

[tazdev]

I paint seperate then assemble , otherwise the underside of the spoiler doesnt look as good..

[Guiddy]

And really you want to add clear coat and polish before painting the black window rubbers.
You can see how the blue polishes, but I would add clear coat to it if I was you, as it is easy to rub through a single colour and that will peeve you off!
You can always re do the black if you need to, as you will either rub some of it off or it will look too shiny under the clear coat!

Tell me if I need to change my instructions a little to make that clearer!

[datamike]

Thanks guys.
I am still a bit confused though. Guiddy perhaps you could clarify. My confusion lies in what order to to do the painting steps. Is this right:

prime
sand
paint
decal
clear coat
rubbing compound
wax

Thanks!

Michael

[Guiddy]

I think you have it there buddy!

And if you do a solid colour you polish, don't bother with a clear coat and then decal!

[tazdev]

so the clear coat is there to give an even look to a multi colored surface????

[Guiddy]

Clear coat is there to give shine to a metalic surface