I’ve returned to modeling after many years and am a bit overwhelmed at the choices available for painting. I’ve been reviewing posts concerning painting with great interest and have read articles in FSM. The following table is my understanding at this point. I know it’s general and I’ve probably missed things. Would you experts take a look and give feedback?
yes,but
2 or 4yes, but
3 or 4yes, but
4**Lacquers >**yes, but
4yes, but
1 or 4yes**Notes: 1**Light application, such as Dullcote**2**Acrylic basecoat for Enamal or Oil washs**3**Don't use Enamal or Oil washs**4**Use a barrier coat, such as Future
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Assuming undercoat is FULLY cured
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Apply Over >
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Acrylics
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Enamels
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Lacquers
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Acrylics >
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yes
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yes
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yes
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Enamels >
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Thanks in advance!!!
Al
Sounds like you’re on the right track. Just remember, you can use whatever type of wash you want, as long as you use the appropriate barrier gloss coat. For example, if you do all your painting with enamels, you can still use enamel washes as long as you use an acrylic clear coat as a barrier.
As long as (1) the under coat is fully cured and/or (2) a protective barrier (e.g., Future) is applied, there should be no problem. I use Tamiya acrylics for my base coats and camos, MM enamels for detail painting and oil washes. I let Tamiya acrylics cure for 48 hours and then paint with enamels and apply oil washes. I’ve never had a single problem.
Dry to the touch does not mean cured. One thing that helps is a drying “oven”. I made a simple two chamber box, with a 60 watt light bulb in the bottom and a removable cover for the top, the area the model or part goes. it does speed up drying and curing of enamels a whole lot!
I mostly agree with your table. I frequently apply lacquers over acrylics without a barrier, as do others when they spray dullcote over acrylics: with light coats. And remember that future/klear is an acrylic, but not at all similar to acrylic paints. So I might suggest you also reference note 1 in your “lacquer over acrylic” box.
In fact, I always follow note 1 whenever I paint. I was taught to “build up the color slowly.” So for me, note one applies to the whole table!
Oh, and the other thing I would add to the top of your table is “Always test on scrap plastic before you paint your model.”
Chris