Its All About the Paint

[Ron Hamilton]

Paint finish is very important, and in a contest setting, a poorly applied finish will disqualify a model right away. I look at whether or not the build will work as a car if it were a one to one. Some modelers will put every aftermarket piece of wiring and photoetch on a build, which is not at all necessary. Working features is nice to, as long as they work as intended. Of course in my world, if the model has noticeable glue smears, mis-applied parts, or sitting on 3 wheels is instant disqualification in my eyes..

[Xingu]

Paint finish is very important, and in a contest setting, a poorly applied finish will disqualify a model right away. I look at whether or not the build will work as a car if it were a one to one. Some modelers will put every aftermarket piece of wiring and photoetch on a build, which is not at all necessary. Working features is nice to, as long as they work as intended. Of course in my world, if the model has noticeable glue smears, mis-applied parts, or sitting on 3 wheels is instant disqualification in my eyes..

That is what I was getting at Ron. The model shouldn't be disqualified outright for those problems, it should be scored lower in those categories. Total score should win. If there are ties, certain categories (like paint) could be given precedence in a tiebreaker.

Again, that may be how models are already judged. I have never seen how shows are judged.

[Dragline]

Paint is the be all end all for me. All the doodads in the world will get overlooked if the paint doesn't POP. Box stock or over the top, if the paint is killin it, I'm diggin it.

[StevenGuthmiller]

Paint is the most important part of a build whether we like it or not.

All of the wiring, plumbing & detail work in the world is pointless if the paint looks like you blew it through a straw!

I've spent my whole modeling career trying to achieve the perfect paint job, & I know now that I will never get there, but that doesn't stop me from doing the absolute best that I can.

I feel like it doesn't have to look like it was "dipped" in paint, but it can't look like the surface of the moon either.

 

Steve

[afx]

It’s a lot like the 1:1 car hobby with the over restored cars.  "That car can’t be best in show it has the wrong hose clamps."  Thankfully the 1:1 guys are starting to recognize original cars more and more. 

 

 

Edited March 3, 2017 by afx

[vintagercr]

Krazy Rick and I were talking about this on Sunday.   While, a glossy paint job does draw your eye to the model, it's the whole package that brings the model together.   The other thing is authenticity.   Race cars usually don't have show rod quality paint jobs.

[Richard Bartrop]

It's human nature.  Shiny stuff catches our eye.

[Lovefordgalaxie]

I disagree that's a good thing for the hobby.  When the contest or magazine standard becomes 1:1 automotive finishes applied through $800-$1000 spray rigs I think it has gone too far.

Usually I use automotive paint to get the real authentic paint colors for my factory stock builds, but I shoot it trough one of two airbrushes: A 1977 Badger 350, or a Chinese copy of a Badger 350.

Also use old school paint, as the automotive I use is Synthetic enamel. Very rarely I use base coat clear coat (for metallic colors) as I can't find acrylic lacquer anymore.

MCW sells automotive paint in little bottles for model use. 

I really don't think the automotive paint stuff is such a big deal. If you are not worried with authentic colors, you can get a finish as good as or even better from modeling paint, such as Tamiya TS spray cans. And with no airbrush!!

Never took a model to a contest. Here, contests are biased, and basically a race to see who used more aftermarket stuff, and did more modifications to the kit. It's pointless and quite stupid. Also, there is a kind of clique, that can be seen on Brazilian forums like Small Dreams, and at contests as well, that involves a group of people taping themselves on the back among each other, and pointing defects and lack of detail on builds by people that do not belong to the clique and or that do build things box stock, as if those kinds of models were not up to their high standards. Kind of disgusting really. 

Those are usually the guys with inferiority complex that like to add "From Brazil" after their builds title on U.S. forums, as they have a need of attention, a necessity of being noticed where there are no "special group of friends to congratulate them for spending a fortune on aftermarket".

And you guys in the U.S. think people liking shinny paint is a problem. You are in paradise and don't know it.  

 

[peteski]

Glossiness of the model's paint is not the main deciding factor when the model has so many layers of paint that they almost hide the door lines or other details.  It might be polished and shiny, but it doesn't look good or realistic.

As far as judging goes, when my the judges judge models at our club's model contest, we use the pont system.  The model gets certain amount of points for overall paint finish.  That includes body, interior, undercarriage and engine compartment. Pretty much all the painted surfaces.  If the body has a superb paint job but the interior or engine is poorly painted, that model will get fewer points than a model which has quality paint jobs on all of its components.

Edited March 6, 2017 by peteski

[DeeCee]

I disagree, paint is not the only wow factor,  yes, i do nice paint jobs, but this is not what gets me interested in other peoples builds,  IMAGINATION is what does it for me,

Now, each to their own,  but 8/10 builds are BOX STOCK, of factory stock, unfortunately, these are the ones i move on from pretty quickly,

there are only so many kits for us to build, and seeing the same kit built the same way 30 times, just does not interest me.

Especially being an Aussie, i never grew up with any of these cars, so factory perfect means nothing to me, or really interests me,

i figure, like the real world, if factory was so perfect, why do so many people modify their cars, factory has its place, but it is boring too.

I really like seeing people experiment, and use their imagination, customizing things, change up the motor, wheels, give it a different color

other than factory, ... chop it, change it, let the mind go wild, this is what I call modeling.

 

[DeeCee]

That is my underlying point – who decided that only models with layers of highly polished clear are worthy of notice?  I have been contemplating lately leaving my builds in primer to force people to look beyond the paint finish. 

 

 

If your builds have imagination behind them, they WILL stand out, some people spend a fortune on PE parts,

but if the rest of the build is boring, it's still an ordinary model, people need to step outside their comfort zone sometimes.

[DiscoRover007]

I know this is slightly off topic, but there are 2 paint jobs on a model:  1.  The exterior finish, and 2. The detail work, and either one can be the death of an otherwise well built model.  I've seen a number of models that had the exterior done very nicely, but the detail work on the engine and chassis look like they were done by a six year old with a crayon.

As a builder, I am light years behind most all y'all and can't paint worth a hoot, but I do know that a painted-on hose clamp that was poorly done just ruins an otherwise nicely done engine bay. 

I think you make a good point there. The paint is priority #1 for the body and interior. Then comes details. But don't try anything you can't reasonably replication within your skill level. Itll look better clean and simple than a mess.

[tedd60]

It’s a lot like the 1:1 car hobby with the over restored cars.  "That car can’t be best in show it has the wrong hose clamps."  Thankfully the 1:1 guys are starting to recognize original cars more and more. 

 

 

+1!  Over restored and under driven!  When I was working with Porsche, I found it shocking just how many cars went from the dealership, straight into a storage tent inside of a garage ... and only trailer-ed to concurs events.  Cars are built to transport people.  Not every Porsche 944 in Guards Red is a half a million dollar collectable.  Were I a car, I would rather rot apart from winter-time road salt then spend my time in a garage and never get driven at all.

I thank Jay Leno for boosting "original and unrestored" cars on his Youtube program.  This past week, he had an old 50's vintage VW bug, original and unrestored.  It was just beautiful in its original and very used patina.

This being said, model cars may be a little different.  Some ARE built to be art ... in some ways they, especially the customs, are sculpture rather than replica.  Perhaps, what some folks might consider an over done paint job, is appropriate on these.  However, I would be sorely disappointed if this Australian Ford Falcon http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/53895-scratch-building-an-aussie-ford-falcon-first-update-for-2015/

ended up with a heavy, very glossy paint job on it.

I guess, for me, it comes down to context.

 

 

Edited March 6, 2017 by tedd60

[Snake45]

Glossiness of the model's paint is not the main deciding factor when the model has so many layers of paint that they almost hide the door lines or other details.  It might be polished and shiny, but it doesn't look good or realistic.

.

PREACH IT, Brother Peteski!

[StevenGuthmiller]

I disagree, paint is not the only wow factor,  yes, i do nice paint jobs, but this is not what gets me interested in other peoples builds,  IMAGINATION is what does it for me,

Now, each to their own,  but 8/10 builds are BOX STOCK, of factory stock, unfortunately, these are the ones i move on from pretty quickly,

there are only so many kits for us to build, and seeing the same kit built the same way 30 times, just does not interest me.

Especially being an Aussie, i never grew up with any of these cars, so factory perfect means nothing to me, or really interests me,

i figure, like the real world, if factory was so perfect, why do so many people modify their cars, factory has its place, but it is boring too.

I really like seeing people experiment, and use their imagination, customizing things, change up the motor, wheels, give it a different color

other than factory, ... chop it, change it, let the mind go wild, this is what I call modeling.

 

Boring is in the eye of the beholder Dale.

Nothing bores me more than 1000 32 Ford street rods painted 100 different colors, or 100 '69 Camaros with custom wheels.

I'll take a beautifully detailed & expertly executed factory stock vehicle all day long over any of them.

It's hard to consider this "boring"!

 

Steve

 

Edited March 6, 2017 by StevenGuthmiller

[afx]

I apologize for starting this thread gentlemen, I was frustrated and succumbed to the urge to lash out. I lost sight (briefly) as to why I build.  I build for the fulfillment of creating something unique and for the opportunity to gain a better understanding and appreciation for my latest project.  

For those of you that can lay down those beautiful paint jobs you have my envy and my sincere respect.

I’m back on my medication now, all is good.

[Snake45]

I apologize for starting this thread gentlemen, I was frustrated and succumbed to the urge to lash out. I lost sight (briefly) as to why I build.  I build for the fulfillment of creating something unique and for the opportunity to gain a better understanding and appreciation for my latest project.

 

 

For those of you that can lay down those beautiful paint jobs you have my envy and my sincere respect.

 

 

I’m back on my medication now, all is good.

 

 

I've actually enjoyed this thread quite a lot. Lots of food for thought here.

[Lovefordgalaxie]

Boring is in the eye of the beholder Dale.

Nothing bores me more than 1000 32 Ford street rods painted 100 different colors, or 100 '69 Camaros with custom wheels.

I'll take a beautifully detailed & expertly executed factory stock vehicle all day long over any of them.

It's hard to consider this "boring"!

 

Steve

 

That's what I thought.

Replica stock is hard. It involves research, and learning about what you are replicating. Correct factory colors, correct chassis and floor pan finishes and how to replicate them. That's the challenge. 

Anyone can paint things the colors he or she thinks will look good or "cool". Anyone. 

Producing a real REPLICA, like guys like Steve, Yuri and Harry do, well, that is a little more difficult.

[StevenGuthmiller]

That's what I thought.

Replica stock is hard. It involves research, and learning about what you are replicating. Correct factory colors, correct chassis and floor pan finishes and how to replicate them. That's the challenge. 

Anyone can paint things the colors he or she thinks will look good or "cool". Anyone. 

Producing a real REPLICA, like guys like Steve, Yuri and Harry do, well, that is a little more difficult.

All of that aside, preference as to what type of model we like to build is not really germane to this discussion.

The point was supposed to be how important a really nice paint finish is to a build.

 

I apologize for starting this thread gentlemen, I was frustrated and succumbed to the urge to lash out. I lost sight (briefly) as to why I build.  I build for the fulfillment of creating something unique and for the opportunity to gain a better understanding and appreciation for my latest project.  

 

 

For those of you that can lay down those beautiful paint jobs you have my envy and my sincere respect.

 

 

I’m back on my medication now, all is good.

 

 

I'm not sure while you're apologizing JC.

I think it's a good topic to discuss.

 

Steve

[Brudda]

I love great paint jobs. But creativity is a very good thing. I took 2nd place to a rust bucket paint job. But the car really deserved it. The build was beautiful. Wish I had a pic of the car that won. Here is what took 2nd

[StevenGuthmiller]

I love great paint jobs. But creativity is a very good thing. I took 2nd place to a rust bucket paint job. But the car really deserved it. The build was beautiful. Wish I had a pic of the car that won. Here is what took 2nd

 

Nice work Bruce!

But, a rust bucket paint job is supposed to look like a rust bucket & will be judged as such.

Now, if your beautiful 'Cuda was covered in orange peel & fish eyes, would it have taken second?

Doubtful.

All the creativity in the world won't bring home a trophy if your paint looks like a bag of boogers.

That's why I still stand by my charge that a nice paint job is paramount to getting your model recognized, especially in a contest.

 

Steve

[Brudda]

Thank you very much Steve

[DeeCee]

Boring is in the eye of the beholder Dale.

Nothing bores me more than 1000 32 Ford street rods painted 100 different colors, or 100 '69 Camaros with custom wheels.

I'll take a beautifully detailed & expertly executed factory stock vehicle all day long over any of them.

It's hard to consider this "boring"!

 

Steve

 

Yes, it is in the eye of the beholder for sure, and there is nothing wrong at all with these 2 examples.

 But apart from your self and a small hand full of other builders, i very rarely see this quality and detail in builds.

And yes Tulio, research is a big thing if you want to replicate what the factory did, but it needs to be done right, like yourself.

But if we all built and liked the same thing, it would become mundane pretty quickly.

As long as we all enjoy doing what we can do, that is all that matters.

[DiscoRover007]

I love great paint jobs. But creativity is a very good thing. I took 2nd place to a rust bucket paint job. But the car really deserved it. The build was beautiful. Wish I had a pic of the car that won. Here is what took 2nd

All due respect to the contest I would have taken your model as #1. That is smooth and finely laid paint. With no dust I might add. That is a hell of a lot harder than weathering a car to look rusted.

[Lovefordgalaxie]

Yes, it is in the eye of the beholder for sure, and there is nothing wrong at all with these 2 examples.

 But apart from your self and a small hand full of other builders, i very rarely see this quality and detail in builds.

And yes Tulio, research is a big thing if you want to replicate what the factory did, but it needs to be done right, like yourself.

But if we all built and liked the same thing, it would become mundane pretty quickly.

As long as we all enjoy doing what we can do, that is all that matters.

Amen to that. 

If one enjoys what he's building, in a nutshell that's all that really matters. 

I'm not a fan of hot rods, or custom cars, but not all, just the ones that can't be reversed back to stock. 

I'm not as radical as you may think. 

Even tough we can be in a off topic point here, like well pointed by Steve, take a look on my driver Galaxie. 

The car is supposed to look like that brand new from the factory:

1974 Ford Galaxie and LTD Landau Brochure by CCCP Digital Studio, on Flickr

This is how mine looks:

1974 Ford Galaxie 500 by CCCP Digital Studio, on Flickr

The car can look like the brochure real fast, but as is it's different from all others.