ok, I need some stuff

[Miniblock]

Times to build a model. Trying to get my girlfriend to discover a new hobby, so I got a cheap one for her to practice on and I'm helping her. If she likes it, it's time to get a good one.

I need some supplies, but since I haven't done much in the model building hobby, I'm not sure on what I really need to get. I have built about 8 models in the past when I was younger, but that was just painting them and putting them together. I can paint tiny details and I notice every details. I usually paint the bolts a different metallic shade and I black wash on the block to give it a more used look, but my paints have been Citadel paints and I don't want to use them anymore.

I was thinking about getting the 1/25 '68 Dodge Charger Plastic Model Kit or something just as cool.

What is a good brush paint and what ones should I get?

Tamiya looks pretty affordable, so I would like to use them if they are decent paints? I also like flat colors.

What basic setup would be a good assortment of colors?

I'm thinking black flat and gloss, white, red, 2 colors of silver metallic? Not sure what else? With my citadel paints, I used a metallic silver and use a pre mixed brown type wash and it makes it look like brassy gold like a racing oil pan and carb, not sure if I can do that with these paints?

What's a good not too thick fine mist primer and color?

Sand paper size for parts and body?

brush size?

I don't want to go hardcore, but I don't want it to look cheap when I'm done. I know the more work I do, the better it will look. But, I'm not going to be doing a whole lot of models, unless my girlfriend wants to. So I need them to look really nice, but not too much prep work. I would like to focus more on painting it well and detailed using brushes.

And should I use a flat clear coat over the finished product?

Lots of questions, but I figured it would be easier to get help here instead of looking over the internet and finding 100 different ways of doing things making it more confusing. I just need a setup to get me started and then I can go from there.

Lots of great topics on this website and I can't wait to look around once I get setup.

Edited January 28, 2014 by Miniblock

[W-409]

Okay I might not be the best guy to answer this, since I'm not the best builder in the world, but I'll try to help since no one else has posted nothing.

What is a good brush paint and what ones should I get?

Tamiya looks pretty affordable, so I would like to use them if they are decent paints? I also like flat colors.

I have used mainly Revell and Humbrol Enamel paints that work great. I have Tamiyas as well, and they are great. I think the Revell & Humbrol Enamels are a bit easier to paint, but that's probably because I'm used to them more than with Tamiya paints. Both are good, though, and you can do nice work with both paints.

What basic setup would be a good assortment of colors?

This depends on the subject a lot, but I use the most different black paints (Gloss, Matte and Semi-Gloss), different silvers, gun metals, orange, red etc.

What's a good not too thick fine mist primer and color?

I use Automotive Primer. It works great for me, some people use Tamiya primer, but it's not that easily available here in Finland, so I like to use the Automotive stuff from your local Auto Parts Dealer. Same thing with the regular paints and clear coats. Sometimes I use Tamiya for them, if the color is just right.

Sand paper size for parts and body?

For the body I use usually 600 and 1,000 grit sandpapers. Sometimes I use even 400 grit, but that's pretty rare. After paint and clear, I polish the paint job with a Micro Mesh Polishing Kit.

I have no idea about the flat clear... I usually never do flat paint jobs.

I hope this helps.

[Miniblock]

Yes, that does help, thank you

[clovis]

I like the Testors Model Master line.

Nice coverage, nice quality, tons of colors to choose from and at a good price too.

As a bonus, the Testors line is still made in the USA.

[Miniblock]

I wanted to get that brand, but it cost twice as much. My $20 paint purchase would turn into a $40 paint purchase

[PowerPlant]

Get some spray-paint for the body

Painting it with a brush and making it look half decent will be very difficult...

As for the selection of other/detail colors, best thing would be to check what the building instructions of each individual kit recommend.

Edited January 30, 2014 by PowerPlant

[Miniblock]

Well, yeah. If i even attempted to paint the body with a brush, I probably shouldn't be attempting to do a model lol

thanks