Brand New -- Got Questions

[nicoftime]

So I'm on my first model car build...

And I just painted the body of it yellow. But the problem I'm having is that it wont SHINE

It's very flat looking. I want that enamel-ey shine, see yourself in the reflection look.

How are you guys accomplishing that?

I got glue on my windows. And I'm pissed off.

How do I get it off of the windows?

Which skill level do you suggest? I'm mostly finding myself into the painting and design of the vehicle. But I also like the small detail building of it. I've been working on a level 3.

What is the biggest scale available for builds?

Any other tips for a newbie?

Edited March 30, 2014 by nicoftime

[formula1129]

I am far from an expert, so I go on youtube and find some great 'how to paint a model car' videos. I use a clear coat after I have put down 2-3 coats of finish paint. I use 3200 grit wet sand in between primer and finish coats, and 3600 grit wet sand in between my 2 clear coats. When buying your can of clear, it comes in a shake can that looks like a can of spray paint like the color cans, but it will have a clear cap on it, and it will say 'Clear' on the label.

The pic of the Camaro is my latest project. I posted the pic for you so you can get an idea of what the clear does. It received three coats of primer, 3 coats of finish, and only one coat of clear. I have to let the clear dry another day, and I will use 3600 grit to wet sand, and then another coat of clear. It will look wet when I am done.

Hope this helps.

Edited March 30, 2014 by formula1129

[Ace-Garageguy]

1) Painting model cars has been discussed at length, on multiple threads on this forum. Everything you could possibly need is already here. You can find this information relatively easily.

Don't bother with the search function here.

Instead, go to Google in a separate browser window, type in site:modelcarsmag.com, a space, and the the topic you're looking for.

Example: site:modelcarsmag.com alclad

Much more relevant results.

2) You can't get solvent-glue off of clear windows. You MAY be able to sand it off and polish the glass back up. This has also been discussed in depth. The best solution is to use a PVA glue for your windows and avoid the problem entirely.

3) 1/8 is about the largest commonly available scale model cars come in. It's big.

4) Noob advice? Read this thread. http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=44595

Edited March 30, 2014 by Ace-Garageguy