Getting Started - Help Please

[DBModels]

Evening All,

I recently stumbled across a model making video on YouTube by Plasmo, recreating a Ferrari P4 race car and since then I have been obsessed with watching the videos. When I use to make models as a kid I remember them being rubbish! The finish was naff, the realism was naff and my general efforts were naff. After watching the videos and seeing what people do I just want to give it ago and see if I can do it. I don't want it to look naff again and I understand it will take time to build up experience, at the same time from watching the videos I can gather there is a next level of tools and painting which I wasn't using or doing first time which is bringing this next level of finish to the table. I would like to understand how hard I need to go to get started and start to generate photo realism.

Do I need the airbrush kit?

Is there certain tools I should buy the best of now?

What glues am I meant to be using?

Why do people use the Tamiya sandpaper blocks over professional sandpaper?

One of the big things which I am struggling with is painting. In the videos I see people are using tamiya paints, Valejo, zero and so forth, but with cars they have paint codes and I can have a colour matched rattle can mixed up in 30mins. Why don't people do that?

Why is Varnish used over Lacquer? 

I am quite lucky that my life puts me next to these cars so I have a fantastic grasps of the realism, however this also means if I can't match it then I will lose my passion. So I want to understand before I spend out how far down the rabbit hole do I need to go? 

[SCRWDRVR]

Well if you ask what's best you will get about 60 different answers, a little exaggerated but you get the idea. I personally like using rattle cans for paint, I use mostly Dupli-color, for glue I use mostly red tube testors and I use professional sandpaper but these are the things I'm comfortable working with and fit my skill level.

[DPNM]

Answers from my experience. Other peoples may vary.

1.) Do you NEED an airbrush? No.      Could it be useful? Yes, at times, for some things. Depending on the kit you mention, you will need a compressor also.

2.) Tools would more depend on what all you want to do. A good hobby blade is important (X-Acto type), files, an X-Acto style mitre box with saws are handy. You should have a better understanding as to what tools you NEED once you start building.

3.) Model cement for plastic (I use Testors, fine tip bottle and brush on). super glue, and white glue. White glue is for clear glass (like windshields) etc. White glue is not a great bond but it will not scar glass or paint.

4.) I use wet/dry sandpaper (various grits) and I have a few "fingernail" type sanding sticks.

5.) Depending on where you plan to paint water based paints offer more flexibility as to where they can be sprayed. I prefer lacquer based paint (and primer) but I need to paint outside. The days that I can do that are severely limited. I use rattle cans most of the time. I use my airbrush for spraying custom colors and fingernail polish.

6.) I have no clue as to why one would use varnish over lacquer. It may be to get a different sheen but, at least here in the US most, if not all, the sheens are available in a lacquer based product.

Hope this helps and I'm sure others will chime in to help you.

 

[Tom Geiger]

Damian, welcome! 

Start small.  Don't start out with an expensive kit and expecting perfect results.  It will take some baby steps, and if you work on it, your models will get better with each one.  So buy a kit to practice on.  As Brian said, I too like to use Duplicolor spray cans of automotive touchup.  I  believe the brand may be used in the UK.   If you use automotive lacquers, be sure to buy the same brand primer as it is needed to protect the  kit plastic.  A straight shot of Duplicolor on raw plastic will cause it to distort.  Not pretty!

 

 

[LL3 Model Worx]

9 hours ago, DBModels said:

Evening All,

I recently stumbled across a model making video on YouTube by Plasmo, recreating a Ferrari P4 race car and since then I have been obsessed with watching the videos. When I use to make models as a kid I remember them being rubbish! The finish was naff, the realism was naff and my general efforts were naff. After watching the videos and seeing what people do I just want to give it ago and see if I can do it. I don't want it to look naff again and I understand it will take time to build up experience, at the same time from watching the videos I can gather there is a next level of tools and painting which I wasn't using or doing first time which is bringing this next level of finish to the table. I would like to understand how hard I need to go to get started and start to generate photo realism.

Do I need the airbrush kit?

Is there certain tools I should buy the best of now?

What glues am I meant to be using?

Why do people use the Tamiya sandpaper blocks over professional sandpaper?

One of the big things which I am struggling with is painting. In the videos I see people are using tamiya paints, Valejo, zero and so forth, but with cars they have paint codes and I can have a colour matched rattle can mixed up in 30mins. Why don't people do that?

Why is Varnish used over Lacquer? 

I am quite lucky that my life puts me next to these cars so I have a fantastic grasps of the realism, however this also means if I can't match it then I will lose my passion. So I want to understand before I spend out how far down the rabbit hole do I need to go? 

I'll start by saying, any advice I give is all from personal experience and hard learned lessons, your mialage may vary.

Plasmo does do some really fine work, and does even better photography.

I think the best advice I could give is this.

Before considering your painting, maybe consider focusing on your basic modeling skills first. Make sure you can get the general fitment and  "cleanliness" in your actual building first or the model itself is going to suffer despite the paint job.

Now, break the modelers code and get out your chosen kits instruction manual and study them while establishing a plan for the build. I like to write down my plan on a notepad, or in my memo pad in my phone, so the build doesn't  "go off the rails"... wich can lead to either costly mistakes or wasting time and becoming burned out on the build.

Then, setup whatever area you plan build in, so that you have all your tools/ supplies handy. The idea is to have good work flow which goes back to the same principle as having the "plan".

As far as actually painting, I'm sure you have heard it a million times....

PREP and then when you are done prepping, prep some more.

Nothing will help or hurt a paint job more than your prep work.

Also the materials you choose to use will also help determine the kind and ammount of prep required for a desired finish.

I personally have used sveral different products over the years, and haven't been let down by any of them really... any mistakes I have had were my own fault for either failing to properly prep or failing to use the product correctly, and in some cases using the wrong products entirely.

I will advise you to stay away from testors spray cans, as they can lead to a very bad time and likely will. They have very low pressure most of the time and the spray nozzle is the real disaster they either spit sputter and spatter or it looks like you just poured the paint on... even the occasional "run away" can will show itself from time to time.

Make no mistake, the paint inside those little cans is great stuff, but that delivery method is HORRIBLE.

Lastly, CONTROL your painting environment! I can't stress that enough! Make sure that wherever you plan to lay down paint, is free from dust and airbourne contaminates, if in a garage hose the floor down with water to suppress dust.

Old school tip: If you have a length of big steel chain handy, drag it around in some gravel for a few minutes and lay it lengthwise where you intend to paint. The chain will be charged with static electricity and will draw alot of particles to it and away from your paint!

Sorry if this is hard to read or too long winded, I just know the feeling of wanting to produce a good model and not really knowing where to start.