Buffing paint? help.

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Techniques
1

hi i wasnt sure what forum to put this in but i think “techniques” is the right one, anyway i have a 1/24th scale ferrari f1 that i want to build but i have never built a car and have no experience of cars so i was hoping i coold be steered in the correct direction when it comes to polishing and buffing paint to a high sheen, i use predominantly acrylics and as i live in Ireland i might not have access to American brands

so any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks

2

You use the same process that any auto body man would use. Ever watch any of the programs that show how they restore classic cars including the body work and painting process?

Prime

Sand

Prime again

Wet Sand

Base color coat

Wet Sand

Color coat

Wet sand

Clear

sand

clear again.

allow to cure

apply wax (optional)

Each sanding is done with progressively finer grits.

3

Buffing acrylics and enamels is not as popular as buffing lacquer (real lacquer, not acrylic lacquer). For enamels and acrylics, many (myself included) use a gloss clear over the final finish to get a super gloss. If you use lacquer (either hobby or auto paints) then use regular auto buffing/polishing compounds- works great. But then, to get a super gloss on lacquer you have to use buffing. Just treat the model as if it were a full-size car.

4

that sounds great thanks but just to be sure “clear” is is a clear cote like humbrol gloss clear?

i generally avoid laquer as to keep dangerous fumes down but thanks!!