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I HATE painting!

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  • Member since
    August 2004
  • From: Mission, Texas
I HATE painting!
Posted by cj95 on Tuesday, May 10, 2005 4:50 PM
I have built models for more than 20 years and to this day I DREAD painting.

My paintjobs invariably look like garbage, and despite dozens of articles on "how to airbrush' and the like, I usually end up with a paint-spattered, figerprint covered mess.

Now I think Im a pretty artistic guy......I do amateur pencil drawings that turn out pretty darn good, but this paint business turns me into a fumble-fingered moron.

I remember reading somewhere that the secret to handpainting and avoiding brushstrokes is to use very thin paint layers. Thus not re-brushing over areas multiple times.

Is there a trick to this?


Whenever I try to use thin layers, I get very poor coverage and am almost forced to re-stroke an area to get it all covered.
Should I just let it dry all streaky and then go back do do additional strokes?
That seems awfully time consuming.


Also dont get me started on Airbrushes. I always seem to get more paint on the outside of my brush than I do on the model.

I have a Paasche Double action with a SCorpion compressor. I have no idea how to lower the airflow on the compressor.
An-add-on regulator just completely cuts off the airflow, never allowing the tank to get filled.

I love models, but dang it.....Im on the verge of quitting the hobby out of frustration.
  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: returning to the FSM forum after a hiatus
Posted by jinithith2 on Tuesday, May 10, 2005 4:55 PM
for me, thinned paint usually goes on pretty smooth when brush painted.
try to get hold of the airbrushing skill with a cheap single action AB first. for me, I went to walmart and bought a single action AB with compressors from testors for around 50 bucks, and the compressor still works for my other expensive Aztek AB
  • Member since
    August 2004
  • From: Mission, Texas
Posted by cj95 on Tuesday, May 10, 2005 5:11 PM
Sorry Guys..........

I just re-read my post and it comes off pretty whiney.

Its just that Im sitting here looking at a bumpy, streaky pain job on a 1/144 F-15 (too small to airbrush) and am almost beyond frustrated.

I guess I need to strip the whole thing and start over.


What ratio of thinner do you use for handpainting? 1:1?
  • Member since
    April 2004
  • From: The cornfields of Ohio
Posted by crockett on Tuesday, May 10, 2005 7:02 PM
cj-

The only way to get better is to practice. Test out your painting techniques, airbrush and settings on scrap before ruining another model. If you can't regulate the airflow on your set up, then obviously, you are not set up right. Fix these problems before you procede or you are just setting yourself up for more failure.

You have one of the finest airbrush/compressor combinations on the market. Your equipment will yield results if it is set up correctly and operated properly. Take a step back, review your instruction manuals and debug your system.

There are many tricks to brushpainting, there is nothing wrong with multiple coats to obtain coverage, but they must be applied to a surface that is prepped, using paint that is mixed properly. Take a deep breath and relax, remember, if you're not having fun, it ain't worth doing.
  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: SETX. USA
Posted by tho9900 on Tuesday, May 10, 2005 7:58 PM
I just answered something similar to this in another thread... but something that was recommended to me once that helped was to buy a really cheap model, put just the fuselage and wings together, not worrying about filling and sanding and practice on it! It's helped me somewhat and I still break it out now and then to try something new... every once in awhile I do a new one if the paint gets too thick!
---Tom--- O' brave new world, That has such people in it!
  • Member since
    August 2004
  • From: Mission, Texas
Posted by cj95 on Tuesday, May 10, 2005 8:25 PM
You guys are absolutely correct.

The solution was to break out the Oven Cleaner and start with a brand new surface.

I'll try to put some more time in and see what I can accomplish.
  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Posted by maddafinga on Tuesday, May 10, 2005 8:29 PM
When I have to brush paint, which I try to avoid if I can, I usually dip my brush in thinner, then wipe the excess off on the edge of the thinner jar. Then I dip the brush into the paint, about 1/4 of the way up the bristles. I lay very thin coats down, and yes, they are streaky for the first coat or so. As far as being time consuming, sometimes that's just the price you have to pay. Try to use your airbrush more, thin your paint almost 1 to 1, until your paint looks about like skim milk, spray at about 15 psi or thereabouts, use multiple light coats here also. Experiment a bit and see what pressure/thinning ratio works best for you. A little practice is all it should take to get you brushing coats pretty well, just don't put too much pressure on yourself. Also, let your model dry for a day or so before you handle it, so you don't mess up the paint or get fingerprints in it. Patience is the key. You'll get it, just have faith in yourself.
Madda Trifles make perfection, but perfection is no trifle. -- Leonardo Da Vinci Tact is for those who lack the wit for sarcasm.--maddafinga
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Southern California, USA
Posted by ABARNE on Tuesday, May 10, 2005 10:44 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by cj95

Its just that Im sitting here looking at a bumpy, streaky pain job on a 1/144 F-15 (too small to airbrush) and am almost beyond frustrated.


If you can ever get the hang of air-brushing, you find there's really nothing too small for airbrushing. The second or third model I ever air-brushed was a 1/144 Spitfire. Just hang in there and keep trying.

Andy
  • Member since
    August 2004
  • From: Mission, Texas
Posted by cj95 on Tuesday, May 10, 2005 11:23 PM
Point taken guys........

Get back onto the horse. I'll give er another go once the Oven Cleaner is done soaking. Tongue [:P]
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 7:07 AM
as the other have said, thin coats is the way to wen brush paiting... u may nrrd to several coats, but thi finidj will be smooth, with no brushmarks....ull have to experiment a bit to get the right(is there such a thing?Smile [:)]), but3parts paint: 1 thinner or 2:1would be a good starting spot., u just have to find whats best for u. i use 5 or 6 ml syringes (without the metal needle) to measure and transfer paints, i feel this is the best way to transfer paints. i also, keep a jar for ones that have been used in acrly and not acrly, and wash em out every so often. (pipe cleaners r invaluable for this!!)
also, dont overbrush the area, this leaves brush marks!!! the paint will level its self!
also, usong a white primer will help u put on less coats(imagine how many coats u would need to paint red plastic white!!!). if the white primer is having dificulty covering, start with gry then move on to white..
here a link to the abc's of brushing http://www.finescale.com/fsm/default.aspx?c=a&id=285
therers some other tutorials in there so check it out!!!!
also, does the compressor not have a built in regulator?? im no comp expert, but i know thats not right that it cuts out when u hook up a regulkator!
anyway mate, hope this helps ya!!
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 7:13 AM
hey also, get the compressor and airbrush working, coz will find ur self brush paiting less and less, and its mainly for washes and smaill details, so u dont have to worry about brush stokes anymore!!!!
Party [party]Smile [:)]Cool [8D]Big Smile [:D]
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 8:09 AM
one more thing! Sign - Welcome [#welcome]Sign - Welcome [#welcome]Sign - Welcome [#welcome]
have a browse thru these forums and u will find loads of invaluble gints, tips and techniques, its a gold mine for modelling info!!!! (theres a forum searc btw)
and if u cant find what ur looking for, just ask!!!everyone here is very helpful, and ur sure to find the key to ur problem!! i know the standard of my models have has skyrocketd since joining!!!(THANKS GUYS!!! Bow [bow]Bow [bow]Bow [bow])

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 9:20 AM
Another thing to avoid fingerprints and stains, which look spretty obvious but o-so important:

clean your model before painting using alcohol or terpentine. The sports you cleaned should not be touched by bare hands again. See to it that all is as dust free as possible.

Concerning brushing: get a good brush! A broad flat new brush should be a good base to get a decent coat. Besides that, one coat doesn't necesseraly be enough. Perhaps some coat after one another (yes this makes the dreaded painting take even longer!) will better the effect.

Still the best advise is: use the airbrushBig Smile [:D] I never tinker with pressure, as my compressor (Revell) doesn't have that option. So, it's a simple: get the paint 'milky' and away we go!
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 8:55 PM
Dont give up cj the more you practice and study the better you will become. I have some old FSM magazines that describe some of the problems with airbrushing. I figured out that I was not thinning my paint enough, made proper adjustments and things are lookin better. Its a great hobby and after time your models will look greatBig Smile [:D] Also some of the paints that are out now are very user friendly. So have fun.
  • Member since
    August 2004
  • From: Mission, Texas
Posted by cj95 on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 10:44 PM
LOL.......

Okay okay i'll cry "Uncle!" and get myself back to painting. Thats the thing I love about this forum. You guys absolutely refuse to let anybody give up.

Some very good points were given here and I promise to try to make good use of them. The key being practice practice practice.

I'll try to keep yall up on my progress, and thanks again1Big Smile [:D]
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, May 12, 2005 8:24 PM
and CJ... dont give up

:D
Jeff
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, May 13, 2005 1:02 AM
I'm no great painter myself . First attach your model to a solid base were there is no chance of you touching it till it drys. Next use a good primer coat, then remove it from your base and lightly sand the primer coat. Once you have done that clean off the surface with achol removing any oils ( finger marks ) and any other dirt on the surface,attach it to your base to paint. Try painting with a flat colour of choice using a well loaded wide brush of paint , Lightly draw your brush along the line you require (front to back or visa versa ) Leave it dry over night in a clean area. As I have a cat and dog here, hair is a problem and like to push things over so I cover with a Tupperware Cake cover ( Garage sale item ). Once dried check for any areas you may have missed
and if so repaint let dry. If all is fine and you wish a gloss finish, buy a sponge brush 3/4" and a bottle of Futura Floor Polish. Take the sponge brush and load it with the wax apply lightly and slowly not to get air bubbles, cover and let dry overnite under a protective cover. Now if you wish to add decals now is the time. Let them dry in place then repeat the wax treatment, this will seal them. I do my cars is way as I have air brush nightmares so I know how you feel. Good Luck and take your time.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, May 15, 2005 8:28 PM
You definately will need a regulator. I airbrush around 20-25 psi. I don't know how you
re losing the air in your compressor, though. I built alot of holders for parts out of hangers and alligator clips on the ends. Also I use flat pieces of cardboard and take another piece and make a square 2 x 3 in. and about 2 in. high out of it and tape it to the other cardboard. This holds the part up in the air sort of to aid in painting. Using tape loops to hold a part of the model to it. I don't know how you're getting paint on the outside of the airbrush, just try and hold it level. Keep it meticously clean is another key to AB success. I've had to start over a paint job as well, let it dry completely and then soak in Castrol Super Clean. I love the result of the AB I use it on every part that I paint, no matter how small.

If you need anymore help just say "Hey" and I'll see what I can do......Craig
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