I’ve seen folks make mention of Mr. Surfacer, but have no idea what it is, and what it’s used for. Thanks for the help guys!
Its basically a thick primer that has good filler qualities. I apply it to seams with a brush using a dabbing action. Others spray it or get it in its aersol form. It is getting harder to locate domestically (USA) because of the product not being in compliance with labeling requirements. Sprue Bros might still have a few left, they are expecting a shipment today and were offering preorders…I got my order in.
Thanks for the info! I thought it was the stuff used to give Armor that textured look.
It can be used for that purpose. The bottled version comes in three grades (in order from coarsest to finest), 500, 1000, and 1200. The “500” grade can be stippled onto a surface using a stiff brush to represent the armor texture. It can also be used in this way to create a base for mud effects.
Mr Surfacer is a lacquer based product, requiring lacquer thinner for clean-up.
Oh cool! I think I’ll give this a shot.
I have two methods for applying texture to the surface of model kits:
http://www.gamerabaenre.com/texturize.htm
The first one uses solvent glue and a tooth brush while the second uses Mr Surface 500. I use Mr Surfacer 100, thinned with Mr Color Thinner and spray it out of my airbrush to prime my kits.
Tamiya Liquid Surface Primer also works well and might be more widely available.
Ken
I just ordered a few bottle of brushable 500 from missionmodels.com.
I’ve been reading up on using it. Can it be leveld with iso rubbing alcohol or did I misread that somewhere?
-Fred
I add a little lacquer thinner. I just got my order from SprueBros…2x 500, 1000, 1500 so I have a supply in my stash since it will only get harder to get.
Hi Fred,
I believe I read in Swanny’s article re Mr Surfacer that it could be smoothed with Methylated Spirits.
I don’t know if Australian Methylated Spirits (90-95% ethanol) is the same as that available in the US, but I’ve tried cleaning brushes in the local variety after using Mr Surfacer and found that it’s not particularly soluble (need lacquer thinner to wash brushes out completely).
On the other hand, the Tamiya version is fully soluble in ethanol. Brushes can be washed out completely and a tissue or paper towel moistened with ethanol can be used to smooth it out (or wipe it away completely even after it’s dry. It’s very handy when dealing with close fitting seams which need just a touch of filling - brush it on, let it dry and wipe away the excess, no sanding, no fuss.
PS: Though the Tamiya version seems to be lacquer based (it certainly smells like it is) it isn’t terribly aggressive and doesn’t etch into styrene as “normal” lacquer based products do, and can be cleaned back to bare styrene with alcohol if necessary.
I have a can of mineral spirits, is that the same stuff as lacquer thinner or must I make yet another trip to the hardware store?
-Fred