Paint by numbers? What order do you paint your builds? And why that way?

[conchan]

Hello all,
 I'd like to know how you paint your builds? As in what order do you paint the parts?
Do you paint them on the tree then remove them or vice versa?
Are the larger parts assembled first, then painted or do you paint the large parts separately then assemble? How about the smaller more detailed parts?
Do you paint everything first? Or do it in the order the manual says?

I follow the manual, which may not be the most efficient way to do things, but it saves me from losing parts.
Thanks for reading. Stay safe and enjoy!

[stitchdup]

I tend to assemble the parts like engines and axles before painting as it looks better and lets you get rid of mold lines. I will paint some parts on the tree if they are easy to lose but if they are fitted on another part the same colour I will assemble them too. I also try to do all the pieces the same colour at one time to save time later. I only really use the manual for the engines as most of my builds are using parts from various different kits. Also I still use spray cans so doing multiple parts at the same time saves on paint. With an airbrush you waste less paint anyway so there is more chance to paint less parts at a time

[Sandboarder]

Parts always come off the tree.

 

I paint in groups such as engine, interior, arm, leg etc. Parts that will be the same colour can be glue such as engine 1/2s and test fit the heads, manifolds etc before paint.

 

Also I use a lot of clippy sticks.

 

[Fat Brian]

I tend to do sub-assemblies as well. A plastic to plastic joint is stronger in the long run and it allows for cleaning up mold lines before painting. I also use the clippy sticks like the previous poster, trying to grip the part in a place that won't be seen even if I have to add a little sprue peg to hold on to. Then I go back with a brush and detail paint things.

As for what color to paint things I look at reference pictures online. Kit instructions are getting better but with so many real world examples at the touch of a finger I prefer to confirm for myself. I paint the body last, once all the chassis and interior has been completed and is ready to drop in. I want to handle the body as little as possible once it's painted. Ideally I can just drop the windows in then slide the whole interior and chassis in one attempt since hopefully I've resolved all the fit issues prior to painting.

[Mike 1017]

I paint the body first and clear coat it. This way the paint has time to cure. When it comes to final assembly I don't have to worry about finger prints or soft paint Any residue from BMF or epoxy can be taken care with Maguires or just soap and water.  I use Scale Finishes clear. It really protects the paint.

Mike

 

[jaymcminn]

Everything comes off the trees before painting. I clean up sink marks and mold lines, test fit and mount parts to toothpicks or craft sticks with Micro Krystal Klear before painting. Subassemblies like engine halves, radiators, etc. are preassembled and any seams cleaned up before paint as well. Agreed that paint callouts on instructions only go so far and some companies are better than others. I put hours of research into a build and bookmark useful sites that will help me with getting the colors and finishes absolutely correct. 

I tend to start off with painting the body before everything else (after lots of test fitting to check for necessary modifications, clearance issues, etc.). I find that a nice shiny painted body gives me incentive to paint and build the rest of the model to the same standard.

Edited May 11, 2022 by jaymcminn

[Mike 1017]

Jason,

I agree with you 100% about painting the body first because it does give me an incentive to finish the car. Right now, I have a 1967 Impala SS painted Evening Orchard {my favorite color} Every time I look at it, I can't wait to finish it.

Mike

[Dpate]

I always cut off parts from the tree before priming or painting.  Most folks usually start with the body because it's what usually takes the longest because that's your bread and butter of the whole build honestly besides interior.  I usually work on the body while working on the chrome trees like dechroming etc.

[Ace-Garageguy]

I putt evrythig togehtter an than paintt itt and scrappe the paintt of wher ware I don wanit to be.

Edited May 13, 2022 by Ace-Garageguy
TYPO

[restoman]

32 minutes ago, Ace-Garageguy said:

I putt evrythig togehtter an than paintt itt and scrappe the paintt of wher ware I don wanit to be.

I tink I bot sum of yer old gluboms...

[conchan]

Thanks to all who took the time to reply to my question. It is appreciated. 
Again I’ve learned a lot from them them all. 

Stay safe and enjoy!

[jacko]

When do you do interior of roof, body, engine compt wheel wells, hood? berfore exterior body and then mask?  Thanks, John

[peteski]

3 hours ago, jacko said:

When do you do interior of roof, body, engine compt wheel wells, hood? berfore exterior body and then mask?  Thanks, John

Yes,  it is much easier to mask the interior than exterior.  And even if there is some over-spray, you can easily touch up those flat or satin paints with a brush.