Painting and PE

Another thing is that it's important to spray the model with matt varnish after you've installed the etch. Hides the superglue stains!

Cheers,

Chris. 

 

mfsob wrote:

As to how you paint the stuff ... I don't own an airbrush. In 1/700 scale, at least, most spray paints will clog the fine details on things like PE railings, so I generally hand paint.

Thin the paint properly for an airbrush and spray light coats.   Haven't had problems doing it that way.   Run into problems when I'ver tried to spray too thick paint and done several thick coats

EdGrune wrote:

What Dread said ... In addition, I give my PE a bath in lacquer thinner to help cut the skin oils which have accumulated while fondling the stuff

You fondle your PE, too? I thought that I was the only weirdo out here.

As to how you paint the stuff ... I don't own an airbrush. In 1/700 scale, at least, most spray paints will clog the fine details on things like PE railings, so I generally hand paint.

Excellent - thanks.

Dan 

Dreadnought52 wrote:

Comanche Test wrote: Follow-up question:  Do you use any kind of primer before painting, or sand the surface?  On bare metal like PE (relying on my small experience with auto body work), I'd think you would want to use an etching primer or sand lightly to give the final paint something to adhere to.  (I'm gathering info for my first PE set, on a Tamiya Fletcher-class destroyer.)  Thanks in advance. Dan Sanding can damage the fine etching too easily. That is what the white vinegar bath is for. Because vinegar acts like a mild acid it will give the brass a little (microscopically at least) extra tooth for the paint to stick to, at least that is the theory. My use of it seems to confirm that the paint (I use acrylics almost exclusively) will adhere better than without it. Some will use a primer but need to be careful that the ultimate thickness of paint and primer isn't too heavy. WS

What Dread said ...

In addition, I give my PE a bath in lacquer thinner to help cut the skin oils which have accumulated while fondling the stuff

Comanche Test wrote:

Follow-up question:  Do you use any kind of primer before painting, or sand the surface?  On bare metal like PE (relying on my small experience with auto body work), I'd think you would want to use an etching primer or sand lightly to give the final paint something to adhere to.  (I'm gathering info for my first PE set, on a Tamiya Fletcher-class destroyer.)  Thanks in advance. Dan

Sanding can damage the fine etching too easily. That is what the white vinegar bath is for. Because vinegar acts like a mild acid it will give the brass a little (microscopically at least) extra tooth for the paint to stick to, at least that is the theory. My use of it seems to confirm that the paint (I use acrylics almost exclusively) will adhere better than without it. Some will use a primer but need to be careful that the ultimate thickness of paint and primer isn't too heavy. WS

Follow-up question:  Do you use any kind of primer before painting, or sand the surface?  On bare metal like PE (relying on my small experience with auto body work), I'd think you would want to use an etching primer or sand lightly to give the final paint something to adhere to.  (I'm gathering info for my first PE set, on a Tamiya Fletcher-class destroyer.)  Thanks in advance.

Dan

JO ATC wrote:

What color are people using for the Eduards 1/350 Missouri set?

Railings & misc details (life rings, floats, etc) are painted to match the camouflage applied to the bulkheads behind them

Thanks to you both for the quick response.

That helps a great deal.

 

What color are people using for the Eduards 1/350 Missouri set?

 

 

John

JO ATC wrote:

I am starting on my 1/350 Missouri (Tamiya) This is my first attempt at applying PE......watch out  Is PE supposed to be painted?  I always thought PE went on last.  and remained brass......am i wrong John   Post any pics please

As Ed said the best approach is to paint it beforehand and touch up after installation. I have found that the paint sticks better to the PE and has less handling damage if I wash it before painting in white vinegar. Rinse in clean water and be sure that it is completel dry before painting. WS

JO ATC wrote:

I am starting on my 1/350 Missouri (Tamiya) This is my first attempt at applying PE......watch out  Is PE supposed to be painted?  I always thought PE went on last.  and remained brass......am i wrong John   Post any pics please

PE is almost always painted unless on a manufacturer's model where their intent is to demonstrate the extra hoohaas provided. 

I've found it easier to paint the PE while still attached to the fret,  cut, bend, apply, and hand-touchup any cracks/nicks.  

Others prefer to cut, bend, paint, & attach. 

Whatever works best for you.