Newbie first model paint help

bends · #1 02-09-2003, 12:23 PM

Hey folks, first time post but read through alot of the forum and seen some spectacular stuff. This Revell 1/25 Viper was given to me as a gift, figured I couldn't go wrong using it as a first/practice model. This being my first model ever, I'm very confused about what to do with the paint. At this point, I'm just done applying the basecoat (?) I did primer it before I painted it with some automotive paint (I think plasticolor). I layed on about 5 coats of this, I think it's metallic.

Well as you can see from the pic it's shiny enough, but not very reflective, which I expected. My question is just what should I do from this point? I read the FAQ threads, and searched the forum and looked through some threads from good builders (guiddy, primeraman) before I asked. I'm just very confused because it seems like there's different ways to go. Should I:

-Sand it, add "lacquer"?
-Rub compound, polish?
-Add lacquer, compound, polish?

I know I'm supposed to wait week to 10 days to let the paint cure. But I just don't know what to do next. Also could someone let me know where I can get "lacquer"? I looked on hlj.com and hobby search but could not find it. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

-Chuck

ales · #2 02-09-2003, 12:28 PM

Hello, and welcome. Let's see ...

The paint you used is metallic, so you will need to add a coat of clear laquer (read: 5-7 light coats should do it). Follow the steps in the FAQ for metallic paints.

What paint did you use (brand)? This will govern the type of clear coat that you may use for the model.

Laquer refers to the clear coat (most of the time), so you can buy it at a hobby shop near you. But which one to get depends really on your answer to the question in the previous paragraph.

And one more thing, Chuck, - metallic colours will not be as reflective as solid colours. Just letting you know.

HTH
Alex

bends · #3 02-09-2003, 12:33 PM

Thanks Alex- It looks like lacquer/clear coat is the way to go I see. I looked on the spray paint to see exactly what the brand is: Plasti-kote Car Color.

One of my main problems is the only hobby shop around me has a sorry selection. I've already visited them and they only have a few tamiya sprays and little else. Do you recommend any online stores for clear coat?

-Chuck

ales · #4 02-09-2003, 12:37 PM

Where do you live (very helpful to fill your location in the profile

)?

bends · #5 02-09-2003, 12:41 PM

Oops sorry about that :sun:

ales · #6 02-09-2003, 12:45 PM

I'll let someone smarter than me answer the question, as I don't really know what kind of paint this Plasti Kote paint is. I would use the same brand as you used for the main colour, but wait for someone elso to voice their opinions. Guys?

Alex

bends · #7 02-09-2003, 12:46 PM

Gotcha, thanks again!

Vric · #8 02-09-2003, 12:55 PM

wait 3 or 4 day then aply 2 coat of clear.. Try Wallmart for Testor Clear..

look reallly great so far ! good luck for the fitting, i ear this kit had some fit problem..

keep us updated

bends · #9 02-09-2003, 01:02 PM

Vric: Thanks for the encouragement! Cool, I'll check walmart or target to see what they have. Yeah some of the pieces do seem off on this kit, but this being my first I wouldn't really know. But really, I'm not trying to go all out with this one, I figure if I can practice getting a good paint job I'll be satisfied. I'll try a cheap Tamiya model next, but since this viper was free I can't complain!

-Chuck

935k3 · #10 02-09-2003, 04:53 PM

Wherever you bought the PlastiKote should have Plastikote Clear. Don't use Testor's on that paint. DupliColor clear works well too. Whatever you do do not sand the basecolor. Apply the the clear lightly at first to build it up then put it on heavier for the last coats.

bends · #11 02-09-2003, 09:02 PM

935k3: Hey thanks for your help! Yeah I think they do have it (pep boys) will pick it up soon. So DON'T sand basecoat huh? Ok gotcha. Another question then if you're still around-- I painted the last basecoat like three days ago 2/6 should I wait the full 10-12 days for the paint to cure before I apply clear coat? Or can that be applied at any time?

Here's what it seems like I have to do now:

clear coat(lacquer) > compound (would tamiya work?) > car wax

Is there a flaw or problem with that sequence, if anyone can pick out, let me know! Thanks!

-Chuck

935k3 · #12 02-09-2003, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bends
935k3: Hey thanks for your help! Yeah I think they do have it (pep boys) will pick it up soon. So DON'T sand basecoat huh? Ok gotcha. Another question then if you're still around-- I painted the last basecoat like three days ago 2/6 should I wait the full 10-12 days for the paint to cure before I apply clear coat? Or can that be applied at any time?

Here's what it seems like I have to do now:

clear coat(lacquer) > compound (would tamiya work?) > car wax

Is there a flaw or problem with that sequence, if anyone can pick out, let me know! Thanks!

-Chuck

My experience with Duplicolor and automotive paints is you can ad the clear almost immediately after painting basecoat. The reason not to sand the base coat is being a metallic color sanding will make the finish look irregular because of the metallic particles. So make sure you get enough clear on so you only sand and polish the clear coat.

Jay! · #13 02-10-2003, 03:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bends
One of my main problems is the only hobby shop around me has a sorry selection. I've already visited them and they only have a few tamiya sprays and little else. Do you recommend any online stores for clear coat?

Arcadia, huh?

Welcome to AF!

I was just in your area earlier today when I was at Best 1 Hobby
www.best1hobby.com
197 W. Las Tunas Dr.
San Gabriel, CA 91776
USA
(626)282-9408
12:00pm - 8:00pm (7 days)

They carry all Tamiya paints: Spray Lacquers, acrylics and (the only place in California I know of that has) enamels. The also carry Mr. Color acrylics.

If you feel like driving, there's also Legends Toys and Hobbies in Puente Hills (across from the mall) and Pegasus Hobbies out here in Montclair (right off the 10). And there are Hobby Shack (aka Hobby People) all over the place. All are good places to pick up supplies.

bends · #14 02-10-2003, 02:15 PM

WOW fabulous guys! Thanks!

935k3: You've been really helpful, the way you explained it really makes sense. Thanks!

jay: Man I didn't know about all these great hobby stores near me, thanks a bunch! I will definitely check out that best1hobby and probably switch to using tamiya paints etc for the next kit. Thanks again

-Chuck

bends · #15 02-13-2003, 08:23 PM

Alright guys, I laid about 3 coats of clear coat (plastikote) on today, and right now it still looks pretty much like the pic in the first post with a bit of "satin" looking finish to it. I was expecting it to be more thick and glossy, but I wouldn't know since this is my first paint job ever. Can anyone tell me if this is normal or if I did something wrong?

I warmed up the can, shook for about 2 minutes for each coat, waited maybe 5 minutes between coats. I did go pretty light on each coat, maybe I should've done slower passes?

Any input appreciated! (p.s. I should wait about a week again before I rub compound right?)

-Chuck

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