Morning everyone
New here, first post so be easy on me.
I am in lockdown so have bought all the gear and and have no idea ...... well sort of.
I have made 1 car so far and it was not bad but want to get better, with your help I would like to understand a bit more. I have watched countless youtube videos, and read forum messages on how to prime, paint and finish your model. The following is what I think is right but is most likely wrong, the products I have chosen are mainly from what I have seen or read good reports on. Please can you help and tell me if I need to alter the method I am thinking of doing on my current car.
1. Prime
I rub the body surface down with either a 400 or 600 grit wet n dry in soapy dish water, making sure the surface is scratched so the primer bonds to the plastic. After this I clean the car with soapy water and run it under water, I then leave to dry.
The Primer I am using is Halfords (UK Store) grey plastic primer rattle can, I have used Tamiya fine surface primer and it had a lovely coat, however it can be quite costly. Halfords Grey plastic primer is bigger and cheaper, I have seen lots of reviews on here I think saying it is fine. It sprays fine but leaves a slight rough texture, I do 2 coats, 1st coat i leave for a few hours and apply the second coat a few hours later. It dries quick. Then leave 2nd coat to dry over night. I then use a fine grit wet n dry to leave the surface smooth.
2. Paint job
For the main body I use a Tamiya rattle can. A few light coats followed by 2/3 good coats. I do not sand inbetween. I warm the can up in hot water to increase the pressure and don't spray to close.
3. Clear coat
This is where I start to really need help, I am at this stage now and wont proceed till I am sure I know I have the right info. The car body is now painted and looks good. From what I have seen I am now supposed to lightly wet n dry the paint work. I have ordered fine grit sand paper, the finest I have is 1500 - Think I have stuff arriving that goes to 8000 grit. Am I supposed to wet and dry the paint work lightly? if so with what Grit.
I have Tamiya clear coat TS 13 - How many coats ? Do I do any sanding after the clear coat?
3. Polishing
I have novus plastic polish, 3 bottles, Number 3 - heavy scratch remover, number 2 - fine scratch remover and number 1 - plastic clean and shine. Seen good reviews on this so hopefully get a good result.
The last question is if I have decals at what stage do I place them on the car ?
I know there is never a right or a wrong way, I just need the basics to get a good shine.
Thanks