About Paint

[Helipilot16]

Those of you who have come over from the "other" forum know my views vis a vis paint well. I have been experimenting with various paints and methods. I have come to the conclusion that the best paint is either lacquer or Kustom Kolor hybrid paint. It goes on easier and dries faster than either water based acrylic or enamel.

I prefer MCW, HOK (their lacquer, not their two part urethane) and Model Master lacquers. The latter I buy in aerosol, the rest in bottles for the airbrush.

My method has evolved into the following: I first sand the model with 1200 grit sandpaper to remove all crud. I then paint with colorPlace equipment gray primer. Next comes completion of all body work, then another coat of primer. Be careful about build up of primer.

My first coat of color is a light coat. Hold the airbrush close for all coats; if you pull back too far with lacquer it will dry before it reaches the body, resulting in a rough coat. The next coat is a heavier one, and with solids and metallics is usually enough. For translucent coats, quit when it looks dark enough.

Lately I have been getting zero orange peel. If there are dust particles or other trash in the last coat, sand lightly just till it goes away. I Finish mine with Kustom Kolor clear coat. I don't believe in color sanding unless it is absolutely necessary.

For a look at one of my paint jobs, check out my new project in the WIP section.