Brush Painting Quandary

Is this happening in only one case or more than once now?

Is it starting to come off when you apply a second coat? If so, the paint probably hasn't fully cured before applying the next one, and it will lift the paint up. I've had that happen before.

If it's just this kit it's possible the plastic's defective.  I've heard of this problem before for kits that were deemed defective (same technique but paint won't stick)

See if primer helps it.

So far this has happened on 5 different models from 4 different manufacturers.  The paint comes off while applying the first coat.The second coat goes on without a problem, but the finish is anything but smooth.  It seems to clump in different areas.  

This does sound interesting and weird. Firstly primer as Focusone suggests. Second is it a very thick coat your putting on? Third is it very cold where you are (cold temperatures can affect paint). Fourth are you mixing the paint fully and which paints are you using?

Phil

Is there any possibility of some contamination in your work area?  One contaminant is silicone.  Waxes, lubricating sprays and such contain silicone.  Get that stuff on your plastic and paint will not stick.  Some waxes, and soaps will act in a similar way but not as bad.

I can't think of any contaminants on the models.  The room temperature is around 70 degrees.  I mix the paint with one of those battery powered mixing gizmos.  I don't try to put on a thick coat, although that's what I seem to end up with.  Does primer come in brushable form?  If I have to put on two coats any way, one may as well be primer.

You can get primer in a can Tamiya make a good one which will work fine for you.

Just as a final idea when you wash the kit do you also run it under clean water to clear away any possible problem. Other than that I think we can all agree the gremils are after you!

Phil  

Gremlins, right wingers, commie pinkos, aliens or the CIA.  It's so hard to tell.  I'll have to set up some close surveillance..  Thanks to all for your suggestions.

What brand of paints are you using?

It just hasn't been the same since they took the lead out....

Had a thought and its something we haven't spoken about yet, how do you clean your brushes?

Phil

Some primers come in jars or cans and can be brush painted. Personally I like rattle can primer.

Wolfgang,

  Did you ever find a solution to this? Since I have never experienced this myself I couldn't add any more ideas.

Hi,  I'm not sure.  I started a new model, after washing it with dish soap, rinsing and air drying.  I used Floquil paints so far and at least the paint doesn't peel off with the brush strokes.  I still need at least 3 coats of paint to cover with an even coat.  I don't get it.  I'm going to try primer on the next one.  Unfortunately, I don't have a convenient place to spray.  I'm sure I'll figure something out that won't upset my wife too much.

Just prior to painting I wash my plastic again with Testor's Plastic Prep, while wearing powder free latex gloves. This removes oils (from your hands), sanding dust, etc., from handling.

Don't brush on your primer if you can help it. Use a spray can if you don't have an airbrush.