JoeDeal Posted June 3, 2011 Share Posted June 3, 2011 Hello, I am new to the forum and relatively new to the hobby. I used to build models for fun but nothing like what is found here...simply amazing. I stumbled accross some of my old models and thought it would be fun to start again. And maybe one day get close to the level of the folks on this forum! I even have some new in the box models that I never built. (a '97 Camaro SS, a '99 Camaro SS, an 86' Grand National, an '87 Monte Carlo SS Aero Coupe, a Baracuda (not sure of the year))I also went out and bought an '06 Magnum. my questions are: 1 - Are there any mixes I can do to get transparent paint for tail lights and such. I read about future and food coloring...anything else? 2 - Is it recomended to prime ALL parts before painting or just the exterior? I am using mostly Testors acrylics (brush on) for the non body parts. I use acrylics since I dont have a dedicated workbench\work area to build on (mostly on the kitchen table...) and the cleanup is a bit easier with acrylics (plus no\little fumes) 3 - When using the acrylics, should I be thinning it before use? if so what should I thin with? Water or acrylic thinner? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry P. Posted June 3, 2011 Share Posted June 3, 2011 Tamiya and Testors both have transparent red and amber acrylic paint meant for taillights and turn signals. Do a google search for either and you'll find them available everywhere (or try the good old hobby shop if you have one near you). Priming small parts is a matter of personal preference. Some guys will swear that you have to do it; personally I don't bother. I just either brush or spray smaller parts without priming first. I don't see any need to make extra work for myself. Acrylics should be good to go straight from the bottle. If they need to be thinned a drop or two of water works just fine. There are acrylic-specific thinners you can buy... but I use the free stuff that comes out of my kitchen faucet! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Cranky Posted June 3, 2011 Share Posted June 3, 2011 Joe, Welcome aboard, and I hope you will stick around to enjoy the sights but also to share you work in progress. Harry answered your basic questions, but I would add that you will save yourself time and heartache by simply starting out with either the Tamiya rattle cans or (if you are comfortable with the airbrush) then I would suggest Vallejo Model Air acrylics are perfect. Happy styrene journeys! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragracer Posted June 3, 2011 Share Posted June 3, 2011 Joe, Welcome to the MCM Forum, hope you enjoy. I agree with Dr. Cranky, Tamiya spray paints are some of the best, I use their lacquer sprays, they are very forgiving & go on nice & smooth, as far as a workplace, the kitchen table works good, right now I'm using a cutting board on my bed, spray outside & brush in my room. Here in Tucson to warm the paint cans, I just set them on a concrete wall in the sun for about 2-3 minutes, warms them up real good! Enjoy the model building hobby! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeDeal Posted June 3, 2011 Author Share Posted June 3, 2011 Thanks for the prompt replies! Going over to Michaels tonight to see what they have. I just got started on my 97 Camaro. Wish me luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyjim Posted June 3, 2011 Share Posted June 3, 2011 Looks like your questions have already been answered, but welcome to the forum anyway. Check online for Michaels coupons before you go there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diymirage Posted June 3, 2011 Share Posted June 3, 2011 the front indicator is model masters "turn signal amber" painted over bare metal foil (BMF, its a model specific aluminum foil with an adhesive backing that is used to simulate chrome trim) the rear indicator is tamiya's "stop light red" painted over BMF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffs396 Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Welcome Joe!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeDeal Posted June 5, 2011 Author Share Posted June 5, 2011 (edited) Dyimirage, that looks great. I will have to try that. The Michaels by me doest have much of a model cars section. And very little in terms of paint. I will have do some on line shopping. Any suggestions on a good online retailer? Edited June 5, 2011 by JoeDeal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CEKPETHO BCE Posted June 5, 2011 Share Posted June 5, 2011 I usually use tamiya spray paints for exteriors and tamiya acrylics and testors enamel paints for interiors and engines (both brush painted). I personally don't thin any paint that I brush (both acrylic and enamel), but some people on here say you should. As for online shopping for models, I usually (and only) use Jim Ohio (http://www.jimnohio.com). He has nice selection of models at reasonable prices. He also sells paints and so on. Where I'm from (Canada), Michaels has a weekly 40% off coupon that you can print over the internet that I use to get models from there. Hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diymirage Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 thanks Joe my main shopping places are the local hobby lobby (make sure to check for coupons) and a place called riders, a 40 minute drive from my house thats where i get almost everything i buy kits online (ebay mainly) but all the other stuff i get at those locals so im not sure on the online aspect of it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thesnake87 Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 Riders is an amazing store. Just adding that Hobby Lobby isn't bad either, they have a decent supply of model kits and paints, brushes, glues, accessories, etc... Anyway, welcome. I'm also newer so welcome to the club lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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