Order you paint, wash, weather, clear, etc..

jseese

With what I researched I tried to build a list of steps to finish my models and came up with this. Am I correct or close or do you all do it in a different order. Please post the order you use these techniques.

•  Prime (Tamiya fine primer)
• Paint base coat (Tamiya Acrylic)
• Paint detail parts (Tamiya acrylic)
• Assemble all parts

 

Personally, I wouldn't prime/paint before assembly. Painting before assembly degrades the efficacy of the cement. It also means that any clean-up of parts/flash/seams etc will require repainting. I only pre-oaint where restricted access in later assembly stages means that parts which require painting cannot be reached (eg. interior details),  Where possible, I will assemble sub-assemblies consisting of multiple parts which are to be painted one colour and then paint once, rather than paint individual parts and then assemble.

jseese

Thanks, I will give they Krylon a shot. Looking at my steps do I need to seal before decals? I read that sealing before washes will allow the wash to flow better but am wondering before the decal step.

Looking back at your orginal post you have the right idea....

Coat of future

Add decals (using setting solvent)

Coat of future (especially over the decals)

Wash

The flat finish clear coat should be done after washes, but before pastels(since most final coats have the tendency to make pastels simply dissapear.)

....paint, seal, decal, seal, chip prior to last seal....  is what I have always seen in average post on the topic.

Thanks, I will give they Krylon a shot. Looking at my steps do I need to seal before decals? I read that sealing before washes will allow the wash to flow better but am wondering before the decal step.

jseese

Thanks for the tips, future ends up being glossy doesn't it? Any recommendations on a brand of flat finish? It can be a spray can or I can use my AB.

Yep, Future ends up being glossy and that's the last thing you want on armor. A flat finish I swear by is Krylon Acrylic Clear Matte which comes in a rattlecan. It's not that pricey and one rattlecan will last on average seven models or more(depending on their scale.) Though I should warn you that moderation with this product is mandatory, too much and you can crack the paint surface(yes, this happened to me once.)

Thanks for the tips, future ends up being glossy doesn't it? Any recommendations on a brand of flat finish? It can be a spray can or I can use my AB.

Unless you want a glossy model, I'd suggest a flat coat prior to using the weathering pigments.  After the weathering, another flat coat can be used as a sealer, but many modellers leave them unsealed since it will diminish the weathering effects.

Regards,  Rick