pre colored parts

[m408]

I just got a kit with all of the plastic parts pre colored red. Two questions:

1- If I choose to keep the body red, what is the best procedure? my first thought is to just polish or just clear coat.

2- If I choose to paint, either the body or other parts, what special steps need to be taken to insure that the red doesn't bleed through?

Everything is red. Engine, suspension, seats, etc...

[James W]

The model companies mold kits in color so the novice modeler can build it without painting, but it does cause a few hang-ups for those who do paint.

As you guessed, the red color will bleed through if painting a light color. This is caused by the solvents in the paint seeping into and lifting the color from the plastic.

The solution is to use a non-solvent primer like an epoxy or acrylic to isolate the paint from the plastic. A search of this forum will yeild lots of tips to prevent bleed through.

Most parts like the engine and chassis will not be a problem to cover with your favorite paint unless you paint them white or something.

You could polish the plastic and clear it with paint or Future floor wax, but to me it still just looks like plastic when it's done.

An alternative is to paint it with a transparent color like a candy and use the color of plastic to advantage like an undercoat.

Sometimes the interior can be left unpainted as it looks more natural, vinyl seats are plastic right.

Hope this helps and have fun building it.