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(Photos at the end)
Hi,
So this was my second model (first car). Last time I literally only used what the set brought (paints and glue), and used some basic chinese tools. This time I tried to apply techniques of using primer, varnish, micro sol, polishing, thinned paints, masking tapes, pva glue, etc. and some more better tools. While still brush painting with the acrylic (Humbrol) paints that came with the Airfix set.
First consideration, is:
- 1:43 is really small. Not tiny, but still, I have big hands and some of the pieces I couldn't almost pick them (the wheel for example).
That said, I can easily say that everything that could possible go wrong, happened:
- Erased detail trying to remove mold lines. The model is small, and even though with a 5 mm sandpaper piece, I managed to erase a parking sensor (just of of many examples).
- My fat fingers broke one of the mirrors for more than one time. The second when it was already painted, so it wasn't great "fixing that". It make it worse that in order to fix my mistake, the poly cement included in the set didn't provided a good bond.
- Even though I was thinning paints, I (think?) I thinned too much and did too many coats. As a consequence, I had really problems fitting from the back and front bumbers, ending up scratching what was already clear coated. Also had problems fitting one of the optics in the front, ending up break a little of it. Not to mention that you will lose detail.
- A lot of dust was caught by the paint. Again, not pretty.
- In some cases, I forgot to dry fit, having issues getting pieces together.
- Sometimes I thinned too much, sometimes too less. To make it more difficult the humbrol paints they don't all came with the same ratio.
- At the end, and no idea why, masking tape left some marks on the finish. Particularly in the side panels. I wonder if it was because the paint and varnish weren't cured enough (last coat, 20 hours).
- Finish damaged a lot of times by own hands
Some key lessons:
- Always dry fit pieces.
- Everyone talks about having to thin paints, but don't thin too much, or you will have to apply way too many coats.
- Have attention to the edges, don't let paint dry there excessively, otherwise you will have problems with fits. This is common with brushes since that's where your brush ends. Do a side brush if you need to remove the excess.
- Clean your brushes between coats, as well as the water containers
- Put masking tape on a paper first to let go of part of the residue
- Use Tamiyia extra thin and the regular one as well.
- If do you have the budget, invest in paints.
- Have a decent kit of tweezers (I use, reverse, flat and regular)
- I didn't find Micro-set to be missing (replaced with water), but then again all my decals weren't that big
- When use masking tape, first paint the "lighter" paint, paint like 1/2 mm too much, and then put the tape on the other side with that extra 1/2 mm of ligher paint visible, and paint the darker paint over.
- Avoid paint combination, have at least 2 pairs of containers with fresh water. Wet brush before painting, and dry it lightly on a paper towel before retrieving paint.
- Treat your clear parts if the upmost care (they really are fragile in every sense!). Same goes for decals, put a lot of water (or Micro-Set) before applying. Dry excess if it is too much, and apply very light coat of Micro-Sol. Don't be afraid of not covering everything, that can't be rushed because it's very easy to move the decal while applying micro-sol, so you are better of just accepting that you will do that in two times (whereas in the second the decal will be already more secured in place).
- If possible, use rubber elastics to bond the body and chassis when gluing in the last step. I honestly I'm not fond of tape when things are already painted (as you need for cars).
- Protect your model of dust when you are not working on it. I use a microwave cover (with side holes)
- Don't use regular cotton swabs. They degrade really fast and things get "glued" to the model. Buy specific ones for the hobby. I ordered double shaped, rounded in one end and pointed in the other (great for removing excess without touching too much the decals for example).
- If you can, buy a model stand for when you really need to have the model standing for applying details. A lot of imperfections I have it was because ultimately I was holding the model with my hands to apply the fine lines without masking tape, and even though I was holding in the "dried part" of the model, my sweat (the natural one, since it's cold now), damaged the paint. You can use gloves but if you are beginner like me, you may end up doing the same I did, which is forgetting or not noticing you have fresh paint in your fingers. Lesson, avoid touching the model not more than necessary!
- In any case, use gloves to protect finish because of the nails.
- If you are painting small cars, get sanding sponges. Believe me, you will need it!
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