Cheap, simple paint/detailing stand.

[Chuck Most]

I've been using paint can lids and toothpicks as paint stands for years now, but a local modeler saw me using this technique a few days ago and said it had never occured to him! The photo pretty much explains it all.

[mageckman]

I've been using toothpicks with old cigarette boxes for years like that. Old pill bottles work good as well. It is a good idea you got there.

[sweptline64]

i've been using toothpics and foam blocks

[signmike]

Yes me too I use foam block but this is good when the can is full, it's weight makes it stable....I like that

[Dr. Cranky]

Chuck, that is functional and simple enough. The trick is to have something you can turn to get full coverage.

I use chopstix with double sided tape, toothpicks too and wire. Shoot, I have a variety of methods. Like I said before whatever helps keep you building and finishing models is super good.

[62rebel]

i've used nitrile gloves to hold a body from the inside when painting, especially one that has lots of undercut to it, to make sure i get coverage... i found a rubbermaid lazy susan turntable at W-world a and made a more stable base for it, so i can turn the subject being painted without getting my fingers in overspray.

[ZombieHunter26]

I need to invest in something better than scotch tape and a soda can, my hands are a testament to overspray problems. I may have to use your spray can top/pick method for my smaller parts!

[Chuck Most]

i've used nitrile gloves to hold a body from the inside when painting, especially one that has lots of undercut to it, to make sure i get coverage... i found a rubbermaid lazy susan turntable at W-world a and made a more stable base for it, so i can turn the subject being painted without getting my fingers in overspray.

I have an old lazy-Susan type cassette tape rack I use as a turn table for painting. I don't have too many cassettes these days, and it was my favorite price (free). There's never a shortage of useful modeling tools/supplies if you consider what something could be used for besides its intended purpose.

Edited December 7, 2011 by Chuck Most

[ZombieHunter26]

free is -always- a good price.

[sweptline64]

I forgot to mention that for bodies I use a coat hanger bent to fit in the body tightly and it alows me to turn it and keeps my hands from the overspray and it also serves as a drying stand when i'm done cause i just go hang the body upside down in the closet. here's pics to show how it works.

Edited December 8, 2011 by sweptline64

[Danno]

I use the cheap water bottles (8oz to 12oz) for painting small parts ... after drinking the bottled water, I partially (about 1/2 to 2/3) refill the bottle with tap water and recap the bottle. The weight of the water prevents the bottle from tipping over. Then a piece of doubled over masking tape on the cap and a small part can be stuck to the top.

I use the plastic bag that my newspaper arrives in (for rain protection) as a cover for my left arm and hold the bottle near its base, spraying with my right hand. Once the part is coated, the bottle is its own drying stand. And, I reuse the bottle until it gets so caked with overspray that I just can't stand it any more. Then, I pour out the water into a potted plant and toss the bottle into the recycling bin.

One other thing ~ ~ ~ the bottles/parts holders are short enough to fit in my kitchen dehydrater (the oven) for drying/curing the paint.

And, I've found the tape/water bottle system is good for holding small parts while detail painting by hand, too! Gives you a good, solid handle for stability.

I, too use toothpicks and bamboo cooking skewers of various sizes for holding larger parts or multi-surfaced parts (like engines, etc.) where applying paint to all surfaces at the same time is desirable. Then I can just stick the skewer into a potted plant or ... guess what ... one of the water bottle paint stands (after uncapping it). Again, the weight of the water keeps it stable and vertical and the small mouth will hold the skewer reasonably vertical.