Paint and Polish

[boxman]

I am a returning modeler. I have used HOK laquer and wonder what is the process for polishing the model. Is it do after the clear coat or before the clear coat?

Thanks,

boxman

[cobrit]

I've been in and out of the hobby for many years. Since my return in the nineties, paint & finish may be my forte. I use (mostly) MCW airbrush lacquer over any good sanded primer, then two or three good coats of MCW clear. I then use Micro Mesh polishing cloths followed by a polish (The Treatment in my favorite). You can use any brand of paint & clear, just be methodical and prepare the surface as best you can. When polishing with abrasive cloths, (I) use a very small stream of runnung water to wash away any material that the cloth removes.

I realize everyone has their own technique, but I'm quite happy with my results most of the time. Good luck.

[Harry P.]

I am a returning modeler. I have used HOK laquer and wonder what is the process for polishing the model. Is it do after the clear coat or before the clear coat?

Thanks,

boxman

Polishing is the last step, after the last coat of paint has been applied (either color or clear, depending on your preference).

[VictorSmalls]

Do you guys wet sand your base color before clear? I have worked on this process and had smoother results.

[crispy]

I'm anal about my paint. Have gotten to be in the last year. I wet-sand every single coat I can with exception to pearls and metallics. This includes primer coats. I do not go through every polishing cloth on the primer coats. I stick with one to smooth the primer out as needed.

I then move up a grit when I hit the color coats and stay that way until I finally get it the way I want. After clearing I go through the last few cloths. I find I get a deeper brighter color. This takes longer but works for me.

Like has been mentioned, everyone has there own technique that works for them. I find I am always trying something new.

Chris