ModelMasters blog

Getting that profession look

Preparation is the key to getting the finish look you want. The first thing you need to do is make sure you trim the body of all the plastic tabs, doing this will make it easier to sand.

Now that all the taps are trimmed, you want to take a fine sandpaper and sand the entire body, most plastic bodies are already smooth, in that lies the problem, they are too smooth. What you want to do is, put very fine scratches in the body, by doing this it will give the paint something to adhere too. Try to sand in one direction if possible. 

After you have finished sanding, you want to make sure that it is clean, dust free. Do this by running it under water. Don’t use and soap or any type of detergent because it may leave a residue that the paint will not stick to. If that happens, then you have to start the sanding process all over.  Just use to water and rub it with your hands.

When you are sure that the part is dust free, let it air dry for a few hours, don’t use a town to try and dry it, that will only leave lint all over the part and then you have to wash it again. After it has thoroughly dried, I would recommend that you use latex gloves for the remainder of the painting. The reason for this is the oil from your skin can also cause the paint not to adhere or become spotty where you have touched it.

Now you are ready for the first coat of paint.

The first thing that needs said is it’s better to spray a couple of light coat of paint, than one heavy coat. You don’t need to primer. It does nothing for a plastic model because after you apply the primer, you have to sand it smooth, something you already did.

spraying on the first coat of paint, your main objective is to get a light even coating. It’s tempting to put on a thick coat but don’t do it, trust me it doesn’t do any good. Let the first coat dry for at least twenty-four hours or longer.

Before you apply the second coat, take some fine steel wool and lightly rub down the whole body. Don’t scrub the first coat off but just make it dull, this is what gives the paint its depth or deep shine.

After you used the steel wool, you will need to wash off the dust. Remember use water only, and then repeat the painting process. Do this until you have reached your desired results. I know this is very time consuming but it’s worth the wait.

Welcome

Welcome to my blog. What I would like to do is start an online club for plastic model builders only.

I am working on a web site that everyone who joins the FREE club will become a member. It will be a place to hang out and share trade secrets and pictures of models.

I would also like to try and have a Free interactive work shop. I don't have all the details worked out yet. However, what I'm thinking is that all the club members will vote on a model that each of us can purchase, then while building it share our technique.

Let me know what you think.