4Model Master Primer, paint, and clear. $8 nail airbrush off ebay.It depends. It depends on the finish I want. It depends on the paint I use (Acrylic, enamel, lacquer).
All 3 types of paint require the same thing. Good prep, patience, and cleanliness.
My formula is patient sanding, scribing, and filling. Panel lines and sink marks are the most obvious. I start with 300 grit, somewhat stiff backing, to knock down the big stuff. Then hit it all with a 300 grit sanding sponge. This helps keep countours. Wash it with blue Dawn and shake dry. From this point on, wash your hands if you touch anything aside from the parts you are goung to paint. Even if you itch your nose or scratch your head. Paint doesn't stick to oil of any type. Repeat it with 600, and do the same, but let air dry.
Primer, base, top coats - I try to use the same manufacturer, but I have had success mixing, as long as the previous coat is cured. I ler them sit for a week under a clear plastic bin.
I prime heavy because I'm going to sand half of it off with 3200. Wash, reprime if sanded through. Base coat. Light coats. Can't stress that enough. Patience. Let tack up between coats. After the desired shade, back under the plastic for a week.
Clear coat. 3 mist coats (20% brush opening). 3 med coats (30% open). Heavy coats depending on how well the paint covers. Back under the plastic.
