Base Coat

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Painting and airbrushing
1

Hey guys, just out of curiosity.

Do you guys Spray your basecoats on or do you guys Paint them on.

What colors do you guys usually use?

Thanks [:D]

2

I use a light grey acrillic primer, it’s a spray can originally intended for priming car parts.

3

I use Testors spray can light gray enamel. It makes a fine base coat for the acrylics I use – after the enamel has cured for a few days.

Regards,

4

Thanks guys.

One more thing, do you guys usually coat the whole kit with primer?

[:D]

5

Yup!

6

I definitely do when I am using acrylics… and sometimes with enamels, depends on the model…

7

This works well for handbrushing acrylics as well? I’ve had nothing but nightmares trying to brush on acrylics. I wash my model with soapy water and even give an extra scrub down with rubbing alc. I’ve also experimented with acrylic retardants but invariably I need a second coat and it seems that the first coat always lifts when trying to apply the second coat. Can’t wait to get an airbrush!!!
Thanks for the info…
Victor

8

Yes, that works.

9

I normally airbrush a thin coat of MM primer with my Paasche H. I thin the primer down 1:1 with T.R.P.S. (Terpentine Replacement Paint Solvent) and set the compressor to about 15 psi. Ever since I’ve been using primers, my color coats have finished superbly; especially usefully after heavy putty work and/ or conversions.

10

Victor,

There was a great article on hand brushing acrylics last year (or so) in Fine Scale Modeler. If I remember, one of the keys is to not load the brush too much, and to use short strokes. Having a good base coat can really help too.

Regards,

11

Cool… Guys.

Oh, is Spraying Primer done onto a completed kit (after fixing) or spraying on the parts (on the runners) washing it down with soap?

12

I wait till I can go no further with the kit before priming, the step before painting… after all the filling, sanding etc are done. As for the small bits like drop tanks and such I wait till they are assembled but not on the plane to spray them. Otherwise with sanding I would have to reprime.

Small parts that do not need sanding after assembly (bomb trapezes on dive bombers, ordnance mounting points, lainding gear bay doors etc) get sprayed when the body does…

13

I see… thanks Tom…

That means even small parts are primed too ya. [:D]

14

I build the kit up as much as possible (like 99% complete) and then spray with a rattlecan of MM Gray Primer. It’s a semi-gloss enamel and gives a great finish…my Super Stallion’s camo went on perfectly without a flaw. A good primer coat is essential, I’ve found, if you want to get a good overall finish. [:D]

15

Thanks John… Suggestion noted