Is it possible to get a very good finish on a car model without sanding? I see on YouTube some modelers who just spray paint or airbrush their color coats and do not need to sand. Their finishes are a lot better than mine. For me to get a halfway decent finish I have to sand and even afterwards it’s not perfect since I don’t know how to sand near trim lines. it Feels impossible for me to avoid organs peel. I’ve tried light mist coats followed by heavier on spray cans, airbrush, enamels and lacquer. Seems like lacquer is easier to work with though. Thoughts ? Thanks
Yup, me too. I use enamels and lacquers and still have the same problem. Some of my pet theories:
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I’m using too small a nozzle on the airbrush.
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I don’t prep the primed surface enough.
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I use opened spray cans; a friend tells me to always paint cars with a fresh can.
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I REALLY stink at gloss finishes.
I too would find any advice to be most appreciated.
I’ve done the polishing thing and while the results are pretty amazing, I find it very frustrating as I keep cutting through the paint even with the finest sanding pads. I’ve had pretty good success with Tamiya rattle cans - putting the wet coat on heavy, just before it runs (ya, I know…what is that). I’ve heard great things about Testors wet look clear and I have some to try. Couple folks swear by it. I’ve also had success with Future for a final coat.
Couple kits right out of the rattle can:
This airliner was done with Future - one of my better clear coats
It is hard to get a perfect gloss on lacquer, because it dries so fast. A final polish and waxing is the norm with it.
For a better shine with enamels, I do sand between coats, and add thinner to the mix for the last coat. And, I put the last coat on quite wet. This does, of course, tend to run, so great care is required on that coat. I do several passes for that last coat, waiting a minute or so between passes.