Painting tips for my first model.

ethanxxx wrote:

Hi!  So, I bought my first kit 2 days ago and, although I've read many posts and tutorials, I have a few questions.  I'm building the 1/426 Revell USS Arizona and so far these are the things that I've done: 1.- Cleaned the pieces with water and a little bit of soap.     =This is good.  Gets the release agent off of the plastic and will allow the paint to adhere better.  2.- Started painting the bottom of the ship's bases. Now, the first time I painted the bottom of 1 base, I used 1 layer of "Foundation White" and then 1 layer of "Gloss Black" (BTW, I'm using "Vallejo Model Color Acrylic paint"). That attempt didn't go so well, so I scraped the paint out and started again. This time I used 2 layers of foundation white and 2 layers of gloss black, waiting around 30-60m between coats. The result is waay better, but I still have some doubts:  1.- How many layers of "Foundation White" should I use? (The guy at the Hobby store told me that I had to use the foundation before using any of the other colors I bought, is that rlly true?)     =Is the foundation being used as a primer?  If so, you can probably get away with some rattle-can primer or white spray paint.  I have never used Vallejo paints, though, so I will defer to the experts on this one.  2.- How many layers of the final color should I use? 3.- How much time should I wait between coats? The paint dries in about 5-10 min, but I always wait more just in case.     =Most paint can feel dry to the touch after a relatively short time, but takes longer to cure fully.  5-10 minutes sounds a little quick to add another coat on top of it.  I would go for 30 minutes before adding a second coat at the minimum, maybe a little longer.  If Vallejo are water based acrylics you can accelerate drying time by using the low setting on a hair dryer. 4.- Should I thin the paint with water?     =Only if you have having trouble painting with it or you are noticing trouble with it seeming thick when you paint it on.  You can usually get away with less on your brush than you think.  5.- Should I pour some paint on to a surface and use it from there or should I use it directly from the bottle?     Pour some paint onto a pallette and paint from that rather than directly from the bottle.  I thought I had more questions, but I can't remember any more right now hehehe ;)  Anyway... I know there's many questions, but I would really appreciate it if you could answer them... I really want my first model to look decent :D Thanks in advance :P

Lofweir:

Yes, I'm using the white as a primer... it's the same brand as the paint that I'm using and it says it should be used before any color, but I can always see the plastic color through the first coat, so I'm adding 2 coats and then 2 coats of the color I want, although it's taking a lot of time. Also, I said the paint dries quickly, but I'm waiting around 30-60m between coats to let it dry better.

 Thanks for answering my questions!

Anyone else have ideas? Tips?

Yes, you should use some sort of primer if your using acrylics.  Acrylics need something to hang onto.  Also you did not specify how you are applying the paints.  From your post I have to assume you are using a brush?  If you are, you will find that painting large areas requires alot of paitence and a whole other level of skill.  If you are using a airbrush perhaps you have thinned the paint to much.  You want your paints to be the consistency of milk.  I thin with 100% Isopropyl alcohol, a airbrush thinning medium or distilled water depending on the make of the paint or the application I am using.  If you are brushing the color on, you will not get the coverage you need with out lots of practice.  On another note, don't get discouraged by your results.  This is your first build and alot of practice and learning of techniques is needed before you can start to see the results equaling what you see many of the builders here achieve.  (It is easy to get discouraged, these guys here are good!)  I try to learn at least one new technique per model and learn from each build.  Since coming here my builds have improved tremendously.  I have only been modeling for a year and am very proud of the progress I have made thanks to the members of this forum and it's sister SA.  Post some picts for more help.

Well, yeah, I'm applying it with a brush. I know the final result on larger pieces (such as the Hull) aren't gonna look as good as the ones here and that it's gonna take me quite some time to paint completely. I'm also aware that my first model may not look as good as I wanted it to, but that's normal and I'm planning on doing more to improve my skills. In fact, I want to do the same model like 5 years from now just to see how much I've improved hehehe...

 Anyway.. I'm not gonna buy an airbrush for my first 2-4 models cause first I have to prove to my dad and to myself that I really like this hobby and that I'm gonna keep on it for some time before spending those 50$. I will also post pics on my progress and when the final product is finished to get some feedback, that's actually one of the main reasons why I joined this forum ;)

I haven't used Vallejo's gloss paints, but in my limited experience with their flats, for brush painting:

• Even though it's one of their selling points, don't go for "one coat coverage" with their "Model Color" range. For best results, they need to be thinned.
• Thin Vallejo paints with their proprietary thinner or with distilled water. Vallejo paints don't like to play with alcohol. They tend to clump up and separate (the "proper" term is "flocculate") when mixed with alcohol.
• When suitably thinned, Vallejo paints don't stick well to bare styrene. I usually airbrush an undercoat using Tamiya acrylics before applying a top coat of Vallejo. You may wish to consider using a can of spray primer.
• Vallejo's "Model Color" range of paints are very thick in the bottle. Shake very well, and when you think you've shaken it enough, shake it some more.
• Dispense a small amount onto a pallette and thin to the required consistency. Before dipping your brush in the paint, moisten with distilled water (moist, not wet - dip your brush in the water and remove excess water by touching to a tissue or paper towel) repeat this step each time you load your brush with paint.
• Paint in short even strokes in the same direction.
• If you need to re-coat (and expect that you will) allow about an hour to dry before applying your next coat.
• Keep your brush clean - if the paint starts to dry on your brush, your coverage will be rough and uneven and you will get increased streaking. Clean your brush before continuing.
• Use good quality brushes - at the very least red sable, preferably Kolinsky sable - yes, they do cost a lot more, but the results are worth it, and properly looked after, they will last for years. Three brushes - a Size 4, 2 and 0 should cover most model painting jobs. Don't bother with "discount store" 10 for $2.00 brushes.
• Take your time and don't rush.