Painting procedure

[rhdmiklo]

I previously asked a question about clear coats and you answered my questions and I was extremely grateful. It helped me out tons. My last question now is, do you guys put together the bumpers on the car before you paint?

I usually follow the directions that come with the models but find it somewhat difficult when I paint every piece exteriorwise in pieces.

So, my question is, do you guys actually glue the bumpers and exterior pieces on first, then primer the car and then paint it? THanks again guys.

[klutz_100]

Originally Posted by rhdmiklo

I previously asked a question about clear coats and you answered my questions and I was extremely grateful. It helped me out tons. My last question now is, do you guys put together the bumpers on the car before you paint?

I usually follow the directions that come with the models but find it somewhat difficult when I paint every piece exteriorwise in pieces.

So, my question is, do you guys actually glue the bumpers and exterior pieces on first, then primer the car and then paint it? THanks again guys.

It all really depends on whether or not you want the bumpers in matching body color

Generally speaking, bumpers will be one of the last items I attach to the car body during final assembly as they are easily attached and are a different color or chrome.

However, there will of course be exceptions - it's all dependant on the specific kit you are building. e.g the Fujimi Dino kit suggests fixing the front chin piece AFTER painting the body and inserting the cabin but unless you want an ugly, bad fitting join, you are well advised to glue and putty it in place before painting the body.....

[ZoomZoomMX-5]

Generally I don't glue parts like bumpers or skirts in place before painting unless I can tell from final assembly instructions that the body/interior/chassis can be assembled with them in place. Often the fit is too tight and the chassis won't go inside the body with them in place, or all of them in place.

What I generally do is attach the bumpers/hood/skirt to the body with tape (and make sure the part isn't going to drop off), do the painting so everything matches, and glue everything together at the proper time according to instructions. That way the colors/finish all match. I paint separate spoilers and mirrors at the same time, trying to match the same number of coats.