Gloss White Finish

[kenb]

I'm thinking about getting started on one of my Revell 59 Cadillacs. I want to paint it white. After years of building models, gloss white is the color I dread most. I was wondering if you guys could tell me your techniques that have given good result. I will of course will do a test shot on a clunker. I'd like to know how you get it done from primer to finish with a nice smooth good cover finish. Thanks, Ken

[Guest]

I start with Plasti Kote white sandable primer. Something I just learned is that you want to make sure you don't sand through the primer anywhere even if the model is molded in white. Then, I spray on Tamiya Pure White and sand smooth if needed with at the least 2000 grit sandpaper. I usually sand with 3200 or 3600. Top it off with Tamiya TS-13 clear or polish if you don't want to use a clear over it.

[cruz]

I built this one about a year ago and just used Tamiya pure white, no clear coat. I wetsanded with 3200 and ended with 12,000 grit, used Maguiar's cleander wax and that's it. White does not photograph well, it's hard to show the gloss but it's there!

Hosted on Fotki

Hosted on Fotki

[Harry P.]

Beautiful model!

Was that paint lacquer or enamel? And how long did you let the paint dry before working it?

[cruz]

Beautiful model!

Was that paint lacquer or enamel? And how long did you let the paint dry before working it?

Thanks Harry, the paint is Tamiya from the can. I place my painted bodies in the dehydrator for 12 hours and then just buff em!!

[Harry P.]

Simple method, but fantastic results. The "no clear coat" style looks much more realistic to me than a model under several coats of clear and that "dipped in syrup" look. It really looks like painted sheet metal, not a plastic model. Nice...

[cruz]

A lot of the Tamiya gloss spray colors in reality ever need clear coating, they have enough inherent gloss in them. One thing to remember though is to make sure you have enough coats on the body and to keep away from the sharp edges when sanding and polishing.

[kenb]

Cruz, that Olds looks great. That's just what I'm after. Can I ask what primer you used.

Ken

[cruz]

Cruz, that Olds looks great. That's just what I'm after. Can I ask what primer you used.

Ken

I used Krylon white primer but you can use Dupli-Color, Plastikote or any other primer, just make sure you keep it white.