Die cast shiny paint

[ERIK88]

How come die cast cars seem to have a deeper shine than regular plastic model cars? This does not convince me to collect die cast , I chose plastic anytime over metal but why do paint jobs on metal shine more?

[Art Anderson]

How come die cast cars seem to have a deeper shine than regular plastic model cars? This does not convince me to collect die cast , I chose plastic anytime over metal but why do paint jobs on metal shine more?

Of course, the "shine" on diecast model cars will vary, depending on whether it's something made for the mass merchandising trade (you know, those models made to sell in the $15-perhaps $30 price range), or the ones produced by Franklin or Danbury Mint, costing $100 and up.

Basically, most all diecast models are painted rather heavily, often with the same type of "production spray guns" used say, in the autobody business. Most generallly, enamel paints are used, and the body shells then are baked to dry that to very hard, which serves to at least protect the shine. The two "Mints" I mentioned, along with the likes of GMP and Highway 61 as a rule have the factories polish out their paintjobs, and wax them. With most budget-priced diecasts, however, secondary colors (think 2-tone paintjobs here) are not baked, as at least in my experience doing product development for Johnny LIghtning diecasts back 10-13 years ago, it was impossible to bake a second color without ruining the first, or basic color of the model--so often that white roof on a 2-tone Chevy didn't come out with the same level of shine as the first, or lower body, color.

But in the end, it's the much thicker paintjobs that tend to make them appear so shiny. Along those lines, it is perfectly possible to get as good a shine, even depth of color on a model car you build and paint yourself, which of course means learning techniques that will help you achieve such results.

Art

[CJ1971]

Of course, the "shine" on diecast model cars will vary, depending on whether it's something made for the mass merchandising trade (you know, those models made to sell in the $15-perhaps $30 price range), or the ones produced by Franklin or Danbury Mint, costing $100 and up.

Basically, most all diecast models are painted rather heavily, often with the same type of "production spray guns" used say, in the autobody business. Most generallly, enamel paints are used, and the body shells then are baked to dry that to very hard, which serves to at least protect the shine. The two "Mints" I mentioned, along with the likes of GMP and Highway 61 as a rule have the factories polish out their paintjobs, and wax them. With most budget-priced diecasts, however, secondary colors (think 2-tone paintjobs here) are not baked, as at least in my experience doing product development for Johnny LIghtning diecasts back 10-13 years ago, it was impossible to bake a second color without ruining the first, or basic color of the model--so often that white roof on a 2-tone Chevy didn't come out with the same level of shine as the first, or lower body, color.

But in the end, it's the much thicker paintjobs that tend to make them appear so shiny. Along those lines, it is perfectly possible to get as good a shine, even depth of color on a model car you build and paint yourself, which of course means learning techniques that will help you achieve such results.

Art

Nail... On... Head. ?

No further answer required.

Good answer Art ??

[Jeff Johnston]

ALong the lined of what Art said, with practice you can get better results with a painted model than any of the mass produces die casts. Its just a matter of the painting the technique and the polishing. I use typically a lacquer or acrylic enamel base, and a lacquer hobby clear. Then its the polishing that really brings out the shine on my builds.

Edited August 6, 2014 by Jeff Johnston

[Harry P.]

ALong the lined of what Art said, with practice you can get better results with a painted model than any of the mass produces die casts.

Have you ever seen a high-end diecast model like AutoArt or CMC or Danbury? You're not going to do any better than they do.

[Art Anderson]

Have you ever seen a high-end diecast model like AutoArt or CMC or Danbury? You're not going to do any better than they do.

Hmmm,

Well, NEVER is a long, long time!

Art

[Hawk312]

Have you ever seen a high-end diecast model like AutoArt or CMC or Danbury? You're not going to do any better than they do.

Them is fightin words Harry.

That Ferrari ​is magnificent btw.

Edited August 6, 2014 by Hawk312

[J Morrison]

Have you ever seen a high-end diecast model like AutoArt or CMC or Danbury? You're not going to do any better than they do.

Please tell me this is an attempt at humor. If not you should get out more or do more internet research because there are some amazing builders out there that can lay down a heck of a paint job among other things. I'm sure that any contest you've been to the winner for best paint was as good or better than the diecast you offered up as examples. Also "You're not going to do any better than they do." is quite a discouraging answer to give. Like others have said, with practice a person can achieve a finish on par or better than a "mint" car. Edited August 6, 2014 by J Morrison

[Harry P.]

Please tell me this is an attempt at humor. If not you should get out more or do more internet research because there are some amazing builders out there that can lay down a heck of a paint job among other things. I'm sure that any contest you've been to the winner for best paint was as good or better than the diecast you offered up as examples. Also "You're not going to do any better than they do." is quite a discouraging answer to give. Like others have said, with practice a person can achieve a finish on par or better than a "mint" car.

Not an attempt at humor. An attempt to show that high-end diecast models have a paint finish that's pretty much flawless... in response to the comment that one can get a better finish on a plastic kit than on any diecast model. Which obviously is false.

And no attempt to discourage anyone. Again, just a response to the "you can do better than any diecast" comment, because as I've posted, some of the high-end diecast models have an absolutely flawless finish. And you can't do better than flawless.

[Harry P.]

Please tell me this is an attempt at humor. If not you should get out more or do more internet research because there are some amazing builders out there that can lay down a heck of a paint job among other things.

I'm aware of the fact that there are builders who can do a heck of a paint job. I put together a model car magazine every month... I don't need to do any "internet research" or "get out more." I'm very familiar with some very talented painters, including David Eicherly, who can put down a paint job that is spectacular.

But thanks for the tip.

[J Morrison]

I'm aware of the fact that there are builders who can do a heck of a paint job. I put together a model car magazine every month... I don't need to do any "internet research" or "get out more." I'm very familiar with some very talented painters, including David Eicherly, who can put down a paint job that is spectacular.

But thanks for the tip.

I am aware you put together a magazine which makes your response even more puzzling. With all due respect it seems very counter productive to make statements like that about diecast & discouraging others to try painting especially when the magazine you put out is primarily plastic & resin orientated. Basically you shoot down any paint/polish/finishing how-to articles. I realize this is my opinion & your opinion on the subject but I would hate to see you unintentionally do a disservice to the magazine & forum readers. Perhaps a better way to phrase things would be the finishes on the mint cars are what one should aspire to as they are nearly flawless. A small but important distinction. Again not meaning any disrespect & didn't mean for my previous post to sound so snarky.

[Jeff Johnston]

I beg to differ Harry. I think I can get a paint job that rivals that.

Edited August 7, 2014 by Jeff Johnston

[J Morrison]

Very nice Mustang Jeff, and I agree with you on your skills.

[Jeff Johnston]

I deleted it Jim, but thanks. I don't think I have to post kits to prove anything. It felt arrogant to do that. Or maybe I shouldn't worry about being arrogant as our administrator obviously has no problem with it.

[J Morrison]

You're welcome Jeff & again, I agree with you.

[Jeff Johnston]

I also said that you can get a better paint job than any mass produced die cast kit. Not "any" die cast kit. I hardly think an Auto Art 300 dollar die cast kit qualifies as mass produced. You can't exactly pick those up at your local Wal-Mart.

[Harry P.]

I also said that you can get a better paint job than any mass produced die cast kit. Not "any" die cast kit. I hardly think an Auto Art 300 dollar die cast kit qualifies as mass produced. You can't exactly pick those up at your local Wal-Mart.

Where you buy them is irrelevant to whether they are mass produced or not.

[Scale-Master]

I know I have seen paint jobs on plastic models that are every bit as good as that die-cast, (dare I say possibly better?). In fact an ex-member here has done several that come to mind.

Without seeing the Ferrari in person it would not be a fair comparison though. Plus how do we know it isn't Photoshopped?

[Harry P.]

I beg to differ Harry. I think I can get a paint job that rivals that.

I'm not disputing that. Heck, I don't even know you, so I have no reason to say otherwise.

My comment was specifically to answer the blanket statement that anyone can get a better finish on a plastic kit than any mass-produced diecast. That's just not so.

[Harry P.]

Perhaps a better way to phrase things would be the finishes on the mint cars are what one should aspire to as they are nearly flawless.

Fair enough.

[Scale-Master]

I fail to see your logic on this Harry. You are stating something as an absolute fact when it is really just an opinion that has been not been proven to be absolutely true.

Basing your perspective on a photo of a beautiful die-cast does not preclude the fact that there are talented and skilled people (many you may not have ever seen their work) that can (and have in my opinion) done better paint jobs on plastic models than die-casts.

Unless you are really saying "Not just anyone can get as nice of a finish on plastic as mass-produced die-cast, but there are some who can." That is a whole 'nother statement.

[Harry P.]

I fail to see your logic on this Harry. You are stating something as an absolute fact when it is really just an opinion that has been not been proven to be absolutely true.

Basing your perspective on a photo of a beautiful die-cast does not preclude the fact that there are talented and skilled people (many you may not have ever seen their work) that can (and have in my opinion) done better paint jobs on plastic models than die-casts.

Unless you are really saying "Not just anyone can get as nice of a finish on plastic as mass-produced die-cast, but there are some who can." That is a whole 'nother statement.

See post #5. Pretty self-explanatory. I said what I said... nothing more. Any further inferences you draw is beyond my control.

Those high-end diecasts have literally flawless finishes. And no matter how good you are, you can't beat flawless. You can equal flawless. A lot of people can. But you can't beat it.

[Scale-Master]

Show me one in person and I'll believe it.

[Harry P.]

Show me one in person and I'll believe it.

Show me one person what? I don't get it.

[J Morrison]

I kinda doubt the thread starter was referring to the high end die cast you are talking about Harry. That also brings up another point. Out of scale shininess. A lot of the cars done in diecast are much shinier that the 1:1 vehicle they represent. I believe many people are afflicted with the "Oh look, SHINY!" syndrome. I have seen plenty of excellent models get over looked for models that were so shiny look like they were dipped in shellac or had a bunch of aftermarket parts thrown at it...but that's a story for a different day.