I’ve been painting parts and panels for my Tamiya P-51D Mustang’s cockpit, and with colors other than say, black, I’m having serious problems with the paint finish showing clear brush strokes. It looks horrible and I need to figure out what I’m doing wrong.
I’m using Tamiya’s XF and X line of Acrylic paints, and up until today have not tried thinning them at all. I got a bottle of isopropyl rubbing alcohol in attempt to thin the paints, but my effort to mix about the paint and thinner in a 2:1 ratio failed when I dumped in the isopropyl a little too fast. Even with my uber-thin paint with numerous coats, the brush strokes of the original job still show. Here are my questions:
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What’s the best way to get a nice, smooth finish if airbrushing is not possible (i.e. for small interior parts)…or, do people usually airbrush everything with the help of masking tape?
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What’s a good thinning ratio for doing small pieces?
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How do you guys usually mix paints? I got a shot glass and some toothpicks and let the paint drip in off of the toothpick. I really wish I had an eyedropper or something–I think it would work far better and I would be able to measure quantities as well.
Thanks,
Benedict
It’s tough to get a smooth finish brushing significant areas with Tamiya Acrylics. I have two suggestions: [2c]
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Use enamels for things like cockpit interiors. They brush on much smother.
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If you don’t want to use enamels, then I would do this: Airbrush the Acrylic base colors to get a smooth base coat. (For example: Black for the instrument panel & olive drab for the interior.) Then, only brush on the small detail Acrylic colors. If whatever you are painting is small enough, then brush strokes would not be an issue.
Painting interior details with ONLY masking techniques and airbrushing? Challenging thought, but I wouldn’t try. [X-)]
I mix my paints with everything from eye droppers, plastic straws, and tooth picks. I went to the local art supply store and got a few paint mixing trays with several wells. I use those hold my mixed paints for small jobs. Other than that, I just use regular glass jars. The empty type they sell at hobby shops for paints.
Good Luck [tup]
Sounds like some great ideas. The brush strokes have been heavily reduced by putting on several very thin coats, so I think I’m okay on this model. The straws are an excellent idea–should have thought of that last night!
I assume Tamiya does not sell any enamel paints? I’d have to go with Testors…