Painting Flames: How Long Should Base Coat Sit Before Masking and Sanding?

[TheCamaroKid]

I have a 69 Camaro SS model kit. I just finished painting it in Tamiya Semi Gloss black. My plan is using a flame mask I got, to mask it, put on the flame mask and paint tamiya gloss purple flames. How long should I let the base coat sit for before masking the body in tape and painting the purple coats? Also should I sand the parts of the body where I am painting in purple? I'm assuming sanding with fine 1500-3000 grit sandpaper?

[OldNYJim]

1 hour ago, TheCamaroKid said:

I have a 69 Camaro SS model kit. I just finished painting it in Tamiya Semi Gloss black. My plan is using a flame mask I got, to mask it, put on the flame mask and paint tamiya gloss purple flames. How long should I let the base coat sit for before masking the body in tape and painting the purple coats? Also should I sand the parts of the body where I am painting in purple? I'm assuming sanding with fine 1500-3000 grit sandpaper?

PERSONALLY, I would leave it a week.  You probably could do it sooner, especially if you have a dehydrator, but a week is my standard safe-bet for all types of lacquer.  Can you shoot over it the next day?  Almost certainly, but I give it a few anyway. 

Also personally, I wouldn't bother sanding the black except to fix any flaws, dust or other lumps in the paint.

Not that you asked, but here's a technique I like to use for paintjobs like that - not useful for this project if you've shot the black already, but maybe useful for future projects...

Also bear in mind that the purple will almost certainly be darkened up a LOT by being applied to a black base.  If you're looking for bright vibrant purple flames, you MIGHT not get that.  I'd test on a spoon first and see how it looks and make sure it'll meet your expectations.  The Tamiya airbrushable acrylics are pretty opaque, but you might struggle with a rattle can a little more to get good coverage...

[TheCamaroKid]

On 3/1/2023 at 12:52 PM, CabDriver said:

PERSONALLY, I would leave it a week.  You probably could do it sooner, especially if you have a dehydrator, but a week is my standard safe-bet for all types of lacquer.  Can you shoot over it the next day?  Almost certainly, but I give it a few anyway. 

Also personally, I wouldn't bother sanding the black except to fix any flaws, dust or other lumps in the paint.

Not that you asked, but here's a technique I like to use for paintjobs like that - not useful for this project if you've shot the black already, but maybe useful for future projects...

Also bear in mind that the purple will almost certainly be darkened up a LOT by being applied to a black base.  If you're looking for bright vibrant purple flames, you MIGHT not get that.  I'd test on a spoon first and see how it looks and make sure it'll meet your expectations.  The Tamiya airbrushable acrylics are pretty opaque, but you might struggle with a rattle can a little more to get good coverage...

Thanks man for the advice. I put the car back in it's box and I am letting sit for a week.