Finishing

[retroguy]

I'm interested in hearing what you guys do from final coat to done...

[Jim Gibbons]

Speaking for myself, it depends on what kind of paint I use. Since I don't have an airbrush, I use spray cans. I've been mostly using Tamiya synthetic lacquers, and am very happy with the results. On some finishes, especially metallic enamels, I'll apply clear coats. The last few years, I haven't applied clear to most of my models (I build mostly factory stock), as I like to get more of a prototypical shine after polishing. However, when I do a custom or rod once in a while, the clear gives it a better look.

I use a polishing kit after the paint has fully cured. Once I'm satisfied with the finish, I'll complete most of the final assembly, only leaving off small trim parts and most of the chrome. I'll them add Bare Metal Foil to the body trim, and once that's done, I'll put a coat of model wax (The Treatment, Tamiya Modeling Wax, etc.) on it. The reason I leave the chrome off is that the waxes often have petroleum distillates in them, and will take the chrome finish off. After waxing, if there are any areas I got wax on that are glue areas for chrome parts, I'll carefully dampen a QTip or minibrush with rubbing alcohol and wipe clean. I then add the remaining trim parts, and done!

If I'm building a racing car, there's little chrome trim that needs to be done except on vintage racers. I polish the body, then add decals. I used to clear over decals, but have gotten away from doing that, as I think it looks more realistic that way. I'll wax over the decals, though, to protect them.

Hope this helps!

[JamesW]

I use both rattle can and airbrush on one build. I buy the cheap ColorPlace stuff from WalMart for primer and base coats. I use Testors and Model Master Metallics through the airbrush for final color. For my clear coat I'm kind of partial to Valspar Krystal Gloss Clear from Michaels. I've never wetsanded or polished anything (since I would have no clue how to go about it or what to buy).

[MikeMc]

get it full of fingerprints and dust, then scratches when I remove the dusty fingerprints.......

just tellin the truth!!!!

[Gregg]

What I have found out by chance is on the final final polish coat, I grab those super soft paper towels, like VIVA, or one of them, your better half will know, and use a car polish on it, rubbing lightly.

It is a how-to article coming up in print.

It works fantastic!

It takes out all those nasty final swirl marks, especially on a black car with no clear (my favorite)

[Luc Janssens]

What I have found out by chance is on the final final polish coat, I grab those super soft paper towels, like VIVA, or one of them, your better half will know, and use a car polish on it, rubbing lightly.

It is a how-to article coming up in print.

It works fantastic!

It takes out all those nasty final swirl marks, especially on a black car with no clear (my favorite)

Gregg, do these paper towels have cotton in them?

The reason I ask is that I doubt that the brand you mention is available over here.

Thx

Luc

[Gregg]

Gregg, do these paper towels have cotton in them?

The reason I ask is that I doubt that the brand you mention is available over here.

Thx

Luc

Luc

I will check when I get home in a few