Metalics

[m408]

I would like to try some metalic or candy paints. No air brush, paint booth, or de-hydrater, available.

Need some help on primers, undercoats, finishes and prep work.

All suggestions are appreciated.

[patrol52]

It depends on what you get for paint. Most paint companies make metallic paint in spray cans. As with any paint, you should primer with the appropriate type of primer paint (no Lacquer over Enamel!!!!!!!!!!)

There are also candy paints, and some other special metallics out there in spray can form. You will usually see these sold in sets or the can will have some indication that is it part of a multi-step process. With these type of paint system, you will usually put down a base coat (some color, like silver, black, or white), then after appropriate dry time, you apply the candy or metallic coat, then finally, for the maximum gloss, you apply clear.

I have used the HOK three step spray cans from Wal-mart for candy colors and also the color changing metallic. I also have used the spray cans from the automotive section (Both Wal-mart and Car parts stores should have the touch-up), which are touch-up colors (great if you want to duplicate a factory vehicle or just like the color!) These all work pretty well, and a few tips if you decide to go that route:

1) follow the directions on the can (if it says "do not re-coat after 4 hrs" it probably has a reason)

2) prime everything the same color. This is a good time to look for imperfections and anything else you can't live with--the final paint won't hide big stuff

3) don't worry about gloss with the candy or metallic coat--those $0.95 cans of clear @ Walmart will give great gloss if used properly (Enamel clear should seal any paint, and not react with it either)

4) allow lots of dry time before polishing, otherwise you could have problems

5) above all be sure to test out the process you decide on, to see how it works and will look when finished

[jbwelda]

one thing to remember with metallics and pearls is that you cannot sand the final color coat. doing so will dull the metalic/pearl particles and will totally kill the effect. to successfully get a good finish on a metallic or pearl finish you must either shoot the color so well it doesnt need further manipulation such as sanding or polishing (pretty near impossible with buzz cans) or you should spray your color and then clear coat it before further manipulation...leaving the underlying "glamour" metallic or pearl untouched.

[scubadiver411]

patrol52 has said quite abit and said it well. But, if you are wondering how something might react, you can always try the "spoon" trick. Just take a plastic spoon and spray it with the primer you choose, after drying, spray the color of your choice. This will use very little of the primer and the paint of your choice and leave you with plenty of paint for your modeling subject. This will also let you know if your paint and primer are compatible before painting the "real thing".

STEVE ALLEN