284 replies to this topic

[Dr. Cranky]

All right, chaps. You know I've been using HOK and AUTO AIR COLORS for quite some time, then I clear coat with DuPont Acrylic Clear (right out of the can) and for years I've gotten consistent good to excellent results.

Well, you know the story, I got Donn Yost's videos and he got me hooked on using Testor's enamels thinned with cheap (cold) lacquer thinner and today I had an epiphany when I went to sand and buff two of the four 32 Ford bodies I painted before THANKSGIVING.

I went to the kitchen sink (where I get the best light) and I thoroughly inspected the bodies and I could not believe my eyes. For the first time in a long time, I did not need--I repeat, DID NOT NEED--to do anything to the body.

The paint looked in scale and mirror smooth. Amazing shine.

Needless to say, I am very pleased and will continue to paint using this system.

Again, thank you DONN YOST!

[PatRedmond]

Painting with Testors Enamels is a black art.

[Dr. Cranky]

LOL, and by that you mean . . . .?

[Draggon]

Ive used lacquer thinner with Testor's enamel for ages. I always thought that it worked great.

[Dr. Cranky]

That's what I've been trying to say, the thing works beautifully.

[Monty]

That's what I've been trying to say, the thing works beautifully.

Glad to hear you've found another paint medium you like.

Couple questions for you (or Donn)
1) Can you shoot this combo over bare plastic without crazing?
2) If not, what primer do you recommend?
3) Is there still a need to use a dehydrator, or will the paint dry quickly enough without it?

[Dr. Cranky]

I have to confess, Donn is braver than I am. He uses metallizer paint as a primer. I tried one of the 32s and it works just fine. But I use Plastikote out of habit just to be sure.

I have a dehydrator but I've learned to be patient and wait the 3 days it takes for the paint to totally gas out.

[Scale-Master]

I have been using this combo for over 40 years...
Shooting on raw plastic rarely presents a problem, but recently some of the plastics from China have caused some minor crazing issues.
Tamiya Fine Primer works great as a barrier.
I don't use a dehydrator, but I do wait a week or sometimes more before working the paint job.

[Dr. Cranky]

I guess the older we get the more patient we become! Something like that, then again, I tend to paint 4-6 bodies at a time, so there's always something already done I can start building.

[LoneWolf15]

Painting with Testors Enamels is a black art.

You'd think that it is by the way a lot of folks react to the word , Pat !

It's all in knowing how to use them , people have a tendency to complicate situations needlessly !
I learned the laquer trick off a guy I worked with right out of high school . He was a master sergeant in charge of the Europeon Theater's largest motor pool . I learned quite a bit off of him over the years !

Virgil , you are more than welcome ! It's great to see you carry on like a little kid at Chrismas again ! Lmao !

When using standard colors , I shoot directly onto the bare plastic . As long as you are using cheap laquer thinner , there will be no problems ! I do use the metallizer under my metallic and pearl colors to produce a reflection that comes back through to heighten the color and clarity .

Remember ! Enamels are the devil's tool .... But only if you allow them to be ! A win , win , situation straight out of the bottle ! It's all in learning how to use the them ! Old dogs , new tricks , right , Virg ?

[mikethepoormodeler]

Hey, Doc. What ration do you use, paint to thinner? Or, is it just a "feel" thing? Also, could you post a picture in a reply? I'm at work and can't view pictures unless they are in a reply. Thanks.

[PatRedmond]

Black art/Black magic.

Painting with Testors Enamels is a black art.

I'll give it a try, Donn.

Edited by PatRedmond, 29 November 2011 - 08:34 AM.

[mikethepoormodeler]

Oops, I meant ratio, not ration.

[LoneWolf15]

Oops, I meant ratio, not ration.

Mike ,

2 to 1 paint to laquer thinner ratio . Works every single time for me .

[Terry Sumner]

How about some brand names on the exact lacquer thinner? Around here at the big box stores they carry Klean Strip and Sunnyside brands.

[Dave Ambrose]

I agree about the enamels. I do things a little differently. I use Testor's enamel and Testor's airbrush thinner to thin the paint. (I have to try the lacquer thinner -- next car project)

I don't usually have to sand between coats. The paint comes out nice and smooth. This is a byproduct of the slow drying time. I let it dry for at least 36 hours, but can speed that process if I use a "bake box". This is a cardboard box with a low wattage light inside. Works like a dehydrator, without the expense. (What can I say? I'm cheap) I love the resulting finish, and it seems to look good even without clear.

I've also done rapid recoating. I wait 15-20 minutes for the paint to skin over, then spray another very thin coat. Keep going until the paint has the depth you need. Put item(s) in bake box to dry.

[Agent G]

Terry I use Klean Strip "Medium Drying" laquer thinner I got at Lowes. It has a product code of QML170 on the back of the can way down in the lower left corner.

It works great with Tamiya acrylics also.

G

Edited by Agent G, 29 November 2011 - 09:09 AM.

[LoneWolf15]

How about some brand names on the exact lacquer thinner? Around here at the big box stores they carry Klean Strip and Sunnyside brands.

Terry ,

I use the Sunny Side , convenient for me , the hardware store down the street carries it !

[Dr. Cranky]

What Donn said, 2 to 1. Sometimes I confess I add a little extra if it still looks a little thick. Most of the time it works like magic.

The other thing I will say is to keep your airbrushes super clean and ready.

Which is why I bathe them between paint jobs in my sonic cleaning machine.

[gpugh1976]

I own the video and I guess I need to break it out for a refresher course but I can't remember right off hand, are you guys clear-coating or not?