newbie in model autos

HEY,
Airbrushes are better, but lots of people use rattle cans. We usually have clear coat to put over the paint. But seriously, do a search, look at some of the threads in this forum, and check out scale auto. There is just so much, even a basic search would give ya alot of stuff.

Randy

i use an airbrush on the exterior, i prefer Boyds enamel paint. for the interior i use a rattle can, preferably tamiya. one other thing i have found useful for making professional results is to airbrush or spraypaint everything. brushpainting usually does a sloppy job for me. if masking is involved i use tamiya tape, alot of guys recommended it to me and it truly works great. for polishing a car, i have heard to use real car wax, the fine scratch remover, or novus. i have yet to use them but they are highly recommended by some. i usulally finish off with a spray of future to even out all the decals. hopes this helps and good luck. i think you will enjoy autos, i made a swith from armor a while ago and now i wish i would of never bought any armor stuff!

Sigman, just follow the instructions that is usually a good build sequence. However having said that I always prefer to start with the body and get it painted and put aside so the top coat has as long to harden as possible. Its really no different to any other type of modelling so the skills you bring from other genre are just as applicable here. Keep reading this forum you'll pick up heaps of tips. Post photos as you build, we like to see how things are progressing

Thanks for the tips guys, really appreciate it.

I usually spray aerosol paint into a cup then shoot it through my airbrush. The aerosol paint is cheaper per fl.oz (ml) than hobby paint. And the companies produce car colors; metallics, pearls, stocks.

Progress on my first scale auto: This is the first time of using a tamiya rattlecan. The paint is really nice and shiny but there's a portion that the paint run and some bubbles. How can i correct this? Should I sand the portion only or the whole part? Any tips?

Sigman,
Sounds like you were moving too slow and maybe too close to the model. The result was a coat that was too thick and heavy. Remember, we live in a world of gravity. Interesting that no one actually knows what it is, but agree that it exists and can measure it in various ways, even developed units of measurement.
Anyway, out-smart Gravity by moving the can faster and about 8" - 10" (20.32cm - 25.4cm) away from the model surface. Start spraying before the model and end after the model. You'll get thinner and lighter coats that way. In fact, the first coat should look like a misting and you'll see the plastic. Practice on a scrap.

For sanding the already painted model: you won't need to sand the whole model. Sand the area affected with the 'sag' and a little outside that area. First Wait until about 36 hours after you painted it so it will 'cure'. May I suggest wet sanding that area with 'dry/wet' sand paper of 600 grit first then follow with 800 then 1000 or more.

Well, have fun ! (the most important suggestion)

HEY,
Next time, do what he said, but also use a primer if you didnt. I also usually san between each coat, but you only really have to sand between the clear coats, but i figure. y not.lol Like he said, have fun, thats why we do this.

Randy

Thanks for the tips Ako Sprue. I spray my model about 6" away and i think this cause the paint to run. I will try it a little bit farther on my next coating.

dubix88, i always wanted to use primer but I don't know how to use one using rattlecan. Any tips? Also, it is very hard to source a primer for scale modeling in our area.

Hey Sigman check out this link, it should help guide you through the painting process.

http://italianhorses.net/Tutorials/PerfectPaint/paint.htm

Thanks for the link caseyn5

no problem, and good luck with that cobra.