I finally made the decision to focus more on the details and I am running into a bit of a snag. I want to put a coat of semi gloss over the P-51 I am building and I am not sure which way is best to apply it. This is the most realistic model I have done (with plans to do many more!!) and I would hate to mess it up. The problem is that I am not sure how to thin out the semi gloss for the airbrush. This particular model is coated mostly with Model Master enamels and the semi gloss is also from them.
If you’re using Model Master clear lacquer, just get some lacquer thinner and thin it to about a 1:1 ratio. Very easy. Test it out on some scrap before you shoot your model.
I keep an old Monogram P-47 around to test on. Picked it up at a drug store for $2 and just slapped the wings, fuselage, cowl and elevators together. It’s the guinea pig for every new technique I try.
The only way to improve is to try new techniques. Don’t be intimidated.
Troy, Frankly you can save yourself a lot of headaches by exploring the use of rattlecan clearcoats. Krylon makes an excellent line of gloss coats, semi-gloss coats and flat finishes. I almost exclusively use Model Masters enamels and have good luck getting good decal base and then good final coat sealer with the Krylon Brand. But like bweckel said have a guinea pig to always give a test shot. The wrong combination of paint can react adversely, ruining an otherwise good paint job. Always go light with the applications. The paint seems to cling tighter and shows detail better if applied thin. You can always come back with another thin coat if need be. Finally check out the painting category in the Forum. There are excellent tips and techniques in those threads. Good luck. Rick.
Thanks for the info! I am currently living abroad and it is not so easy to find modeling supplies so I am trying to stick with what I have on hand. I did thin the coat 1:1 and it turned out great! I will be putting a picture up as soon as I get the base complete. Thanks again!
That’s good to hear. Feel free to send me pix when you finish. You can contact me through my blog - the address is below.
Keep in mind that you can use lacquer thinner to thin the Model Master Lacquer clear coats, as well as all of their enamel paints. Many people prefer it to their thinner or mineral spirits because it reduces drying time and produces a very smooth finish. It stinks like hell though. Alot of guys use lacquer thinner with Tamiya Acrylics too. You can get it easily, and cheaply, in just about any home improvement store.