Painting Question

[TheBenzon]

A couple weeks ago one of my models turned out horrible due to painting problems. So i currently started a Civic Hatchback from Revell and i dont wanna mess it up so can some one give me tips from the biggining to end and what kind of paint u use. Help will be greatly appreciated.

[RallyRaider]

Have you had a good look through the FAQ? There is enough info in there to keep you busy for a good while. After digesting that then by all means ask some specific questions.
I guess the basics are surface prep, primer and finaly the colour coat.

[primera man]

How to prepare and paint bodies

[generationx]

The P'Man's How-To in the FAQ is all you need: It made me completely revise the way I paint, and it ALWAYS works!

[TheBenzon]

why do you have to was the model and sand it? The model i have is a Revell civic so i thought they came ready to be primed than painted. Plus why do you heat the primer im confused.

[RallyRaider]

Washing the body removes mold release agent that is on the surface of the plastic. The manufacturers use it so the parts fall out of the mold easily on the production line. It is a grease like lubricant and could cause problems with the paint adhering, like the dreaded "fisheyes".

Similarly you sand the surface to provide some "tooth" for the paint to grip. Otherwise the paint could lift off when you are masking, polishing or gluing parts together.

Heating the primer in a spraycan does two things. Boosts pressure in the can so the propellant doesn’t run out before the paint does. Secondly heat lowers the viscosity of the paint when it hits the surface of the model. That is a good thing because it allows the paint more time to level out and give a smoother, shinier finish.

[TheBenzon]

i think putting paint in the microwave is dangerous why not just put it in hot water

[mike@af]

Originally Posted by TheBenzon

i think putting paint in the microwave is dangerous why not just put it in hot water

Thats what you are supposed to do. Microwave a bowl of water and put the can in the water after its hot.

[RallyRaider]

Yes hot water is the best method, do not heat metal objects in a microwave. PMan isn't suggesting that, rather he uses the (switched off!) microwave as a dust free place to store the model while the paint cures.

[ImolaEK]

Originally Posted by GTmike400

Thats what you are supposed to do. Microwave a bowl of water and put the can in the water after its hot.

Yup! That always works!

[hks_kansei]

i have a warning......

before you microwave the water, put a bit of salt in it.

this stops it splashing boiled water on you (still place the can in slowly)



this works because, if water is microwaved enough, it can become pure (distilled), when this happens it will reach boiling point, but not bubble or boil this is called superheated, when the can, or anything, is placed in the water (even if it's slowly) the sudden addtion of impurities (oil from hands, dust etc), will make the water instantly boil, and it will splash up and out of the bowl or cup.

this is unlikely if you use fresh tap water, but if you microwave it enough, or have a water purifier, it is a risk.


BTW: the salt you add beforehand, should make the water impure, and it will make it unable to boil off before you are ready to take it out.







the things you learn from TV

[RallyRaider]

Interesting tip hks_kansei. But I'd recommend just using hot water straight from the tap, boiling water would be way too hot. I actually use a small space heater, quicker and less messy, but don't leave the can there for too long or you could melt something!

[TheBenzon]

thanks for the tip that probly saved my life

[Sticky Fingers]

Yeah Benzon, I'm so glad you didn't just pop the aircan in the micro and cook it. I imagine you would have ended up front page news in a few countries!!!

I'd agree with rallyraider about the hot water coming from the tap. I'd be pretty sceptical about putting a pressurized container into boiling hot water!!

P.S. Remember to wear a respirator (topic of the moment!)

[mickbench]

I will add that I tend to shake my can for a good 3 - 4 minutes, as I have found that not shaking the can well enough has created problems with paint drops on the surface.

I learnt this from the start, and I've always shook the can for plenty of time after that. I even shake the can when I am using it. I also use hot water from the tap, and heat the can for about 4 minutes, shake for two minutes reheat the can and shake for 3 minutes, then start painting.

Oh - and I'm not sure if anyone else is doing this, but for all coats I lay it on lightly going round a few times wait 15 mintues go around again etc to build the colour up, then the last two coats I spray closer to the body, to let the paint gloss up, but I don't go over again. I pass once, with a heavy coat and allow to dry. Comes out looking like glass..!! The light coats look rubbish, all dull and bad, but DO not be tempted to over do the mist. It all comes right with the wet coats.

If this is wrong perhaps someone can correct me, but I've just done a paint job today (not at work) and i did just this and it looks superb..!!