Brush Painting Plastic Helicopter

[Randy Winkman]

Sorry if this basic topic is the subject of chat in another thread. What are my options for brush painting this toy in 3 different colours to make it look like a particular air ambulance helicopter? I used to make Tamiya/Airfix kits years ago so am familiar with the little pots of paint I used then. My recollection is that matt goes on more smoothly than gloss. Are there any other options? Especially something in a satin finish which might be more realistic than gloss and cover better?

I'm open minded about spray paining too but I'm not sure I can take the propellors off and the skids look really awkward to spray.

Cheers.

[46and2]

I would start with a decent primer first in any case. Tamiya rattle can primer is excellent for getting a good base for painting.

Then if brush painting thin the paints properly with appropriate thinner/water and while painting regularly dip the tip brush into pure thinner/water to keep the paint from drying out on it.

[Randy Winkman]

Cheers. Thinning paints sounds good as having a nice smooth finish is a key thing for me. Primer sounds like a good idea but as I say, I'm not sure about the practicalities of spray painting. And if I can do the primer that way, might I not just as well do the top coat that way too?

[46and2]

Randy Winkman said:

Cheers. Thinning paints sounds good as having a nice smooth finish is a key thing for me. Primer sounds like a good idea but as I say, I'm not sure about the practicalities of spray painting. And if I can do the primer that way, might I not just as well do the top coat that way too?

I just spray paint from cans outside. Keep them warm, shake them well and try and get a reasonably sheltered spot for spraying. then dry them inside.

Spray cans for the top coat are great too but if you have multiple colours it gets a lot more expensive. A paint pot might be £2 and a good can might be £10.

[Randy Winkman]

46and2 said:

Randy Winkman said:

Cheers. Thinning paints sounds good as having a nice smooth finish is a key thing for me. Primer sounds like a good idea but as I say, I'm not sure about the practicalities of spray painting. And if I can do the primer that way, might I not just as well do the top coat that way too?

I just spray paint from cans outside. Keep them warm, shake them well and try and get a reasonably sheltered spot for spraying. then dry them inside.

Spray cans for the top coat are great too but if you have multiple colours it gets a lot more expensive. A paint pot might be £2 and a good can might be £10.

Thanks. Yes - with the 3 body colours plus black for the skids it could get costly if I spray paint. Plus primer of course. The model only cost £7 on ebay.

[Super Sonic]

Don't try and cover it all in one coat, use two or more thin coats. Don't worry if the first coat is patchy and let's the underneath colur show, the next layer will cover it.

[Randy Winkman]

Super Sonic said:

Don't try and cover it all in one coat, use two or more thin coats. Don't worry if the first coat is patchy and let's the underneath colur show, the next layer will cover it.

That does sound like the trick. Painting most things with most paints seems to be best like that.