A Few Model Making Queries (Revell)
Discussion
Morning all
I have recently purchased a Revell Space Shuttle & Boosters kit (1/144). Main reason for buying it, is so it can be on display in the corner of my lounge on a coffee table.
I was inspired to build this by a visit to Kennedy Space Centre in December 2013. Fantastic tourist attraction.
However, I have a few basic modelling queries.
Painting
I have decided to build and then paint. Once I have finished the build, should I then spray paint the entire model in primer? If I do this, I was thinking that a spray primer might be easier and get a slightly more even finish. I'll be painting it in Revell paints as per the instructions.
Decals
Do I apply them after I have applied the top coat? Are the special decal adhesives worth using? My dad and I did Battle of Britain models when I was really young and he applied the decals using water. Sorry if this is a bit of daft question.
The model build has gone quite well so far. I’m going to be building the launch pad tonight. I decided to not include the satellite system inside the shuttle, as I never plan to display the shuttle separately and I like the look of the ready to launch version.
If this build looks decent, then I’m moving onto the Saturn 5
I have recently purchased a Revell Space Shuttle & Boosters kit (1/144). Main reason for buying it, is so it can be on display in the corner of my lounge on a coffee table.
I was inspired to build this by a visit to Kennedy Space Centre in December 2013. Fantastic tourist attraction.
However, I have a few basic modelling queries.
Painting
I have decided to build and then paint. Once I have finished the build, should I then spray paint the entire model in primer? If I do this, I was thinking that a spray primer might be easier and get a slightly more even finish. I'll be painting it in Revell paints as per the instructions.
Decals
Do I apply them after I have applied the top coat? Are the special decal adhesives worth using? My dad and I did Battle of Britain models when I was really young and he applied the decals using water. Sorry if this is a bit of daft question.
The model build has gone quite well so far. I’m going to be building the launch pad tonight. I decided to not include the satellite system inside the shuttle, as I never plan to display the shuttle separately and I like the look of the ready to launch version.
If this build looks decent, then I’m moving onto the Saturn 5
Looking good - I've built a few of those over the years!
Primer might be a good idea if you're applying acrylic paints for the final finish. You might consider washing the model in detergent first to get rid of any surface grease.
It might be worth considering applying Tamiya White Surface Primer (spray can) and leaving it as a top coat. It dries with a satin sheen which should be OK for applying decals (yes, you apply them after the top coat, unless you want to varnish the model in which case you overspray the decals with the varnish as the final coat). Then mask for the black bits and then spray those with a matt black spray can (e.g. Tamiya TS-6). Job done.
You could also look at using Halfords Appliance Gloss White - over their plastic primer, and then one of the Halfords blacks, but my personal view is that these paints are far too glossy for small scale models.
Primer might be a good idea if you're applying acrylic paints for the final finish. You might consider washing the model in detergent first to get rid of any surface grease.
It might be worth considering applying Tamiya White Surface Primer (spray can) and leaving it as a top coat. It dries with a satin sheen which should be OK for applying decals (yes, you apply them after the top coat, unless you want to varnish the model in which case you overspray the decals with the varnish as the final coat). Then mask for the black bits and then spray those with a matt black spray can (e.g. Tamiya TS-6). Job done.
You could also look at using Halfords Appliance Gloss White - over their plastic primer, and then one of the Halfords blacks, but my personal view is that these paints are far too glossy for small scale models.
Edited by dr_gn on Friday 6th November 12:27
dr_gn said:
Looking good - I've built a few of those over the years!
Primer might be a good idea if you're applying acrylic paints for the final finish. You might consider washing the model in detergent first to get rid of any surface grease.
It might be worth considering applying Tamiya White Surface Primer (spray can) and leaving it as a top coat. It dries with a satin sheen which should be OK for applying decals (yes, you apply them after the top coat, unless you want to varnish the model in which case you overspray the decals with the varnish as the final coat). Then mask for the black bits and then spray those with a matt black spray can (e.g. Tamiya TS-6). Job done.
You could also look at using Halfords Appliance Gloss White - over their plastic primer, and then one of the Halfords blacks, but my personal view is that these paints are far too glossy for small scale models.
Thanks for the reply.
I washed all the parts with warm soapy water before I started assembly, so that part is covered.
Thanks for the reply. Primer might be a good idea if you're applying acrylic paints for the final finish. You might consider washing the model in detergent first to get rid of any surface grease.
It might be worth considering applying Tamiya White Surface Primer (spray can) and leaving it as a top coat. It dries with a satin sheen which should be OK for applying decals (yes, you apply them after the top coat, unless you want to varnish the model in which case you overspray the decals with the varnish as the final coat). Then mask for the black bits and then spray those with a matt black spray can (e.g. Tamiya TS-6). Job done.
You could also look at using Halfords Appliance Gloss White - over their plastic primer, and then one of the Halfords blacks, but my personal view is that these paints are far too glossy for small scale models.
Thanks for the reply.
I washed all the parts with warm soapy water before I started assembly, so that part is covered.
Edited by dr_gn on Friday 6th November 12:27
I washed all the parts with warm soapy water before I started assembly, so that part is covered. Can I still use acrylic primer if I am using enamel paints?
bakerstreet said:
dr_gn said:
Looking good - I've built a few of those over the years!
Primer might be a good idea if you're applying acrylic paints for the final finish. You might consider washing the model in detergent first to get rid of any surface grease.
It might be worth considering applying Tamiya White Surface Primer (spray can) and leaving it as a top coat. It dries with a satin sheen which should be OK for applying decals (yes, you apply them after the top coat, unless you want to varnish the model in which case you overspray the decals with the varnish as the final coat). Then mask for the black bits and then spray those with a matt black spray can (e.g. Tamiya TS-6). Job done.
You could also look at using Halfords Appliance Gloss White - over their plastic primer, and then one of the Halfords blacks, but my personal view is that these paints are far too glossy for small scale models.
Thanks for the reply.
I washed all the parts with warm soapy water before I started assembly, so that part is covered.
Primer might be a good idea if you're applying acrylic paints for the final finish. You might consider washing the model in detergent first to get rid of any surface grease.
It might be worth considering applying Tamiya White Surface Primer (spray can) and leaving it as a top coat. It dries with a satin sheen which should be OK for applying decals (yes, you apply them after the top coat, unless you want to varnish the model in which case you overspray the decals with the varnish as the final coat). Then mask for the black bits and then spray those with a matt black spray can (e.g. Tamiya TS-6). Job done.
You could also look at using Halfords Appliance Gloss White - over their plastic primer, and then one of the Halfords blacks, but my personal view is that these paints are far too glossy for small scale models.
Thanks for the reply.
I washed all the parts with warm soapy water before I started assembly, so that part is covered.
I only really use acrylics these days, so I don't know about mixing specific brands. I do frequently mix acrylics, lacquers and enamels for weathering, but as a rule, I'd stick with the same paint types or manufacturers recommendations. If in doubt, test first on some scrap plastic to make sure there is no reaction.
Edited by dr_gn on Friday 6th November 17:27
All the assembly is finished. I've ordered the Tamiya acrylic spray primer and all the revell paints required. Also got some little plastic pots for mixing the paint. Apparently I couldn't use the little food containers that we have for the baby...
Primer should arrive today, so I'm going to do a test on the underside of the base to check there isn't any unwanted chemical reactions. Once, its all primed, then its onto the top coats and the decals. Really not looking forward to the decals...
Hopefully it will be on display by Christmas
Primer should arrive today, so I'm going to do a test on the underside of the base to check there isn't any unwanted chemical reactions. Once, its all primed, then its onto the top coats and the decals. Really not looking forward to the decals...
Hopefully it will be on display by Christmas
bakerstreet said:
All the assembly is finished. I've ordered the Tamiya acrylic spray primer and all the revell paints required. Also got some little plastic pots for mixing the paint. Apparently I couldn't use the little food containers that we have for the baby...
Primer should arrive today, so I'm going to do a test on the underside of the base to check there isn't any unwanted chemical reactions. Once, its all primed, then its onto the top coats and the decals. Really not looking forward to the decals...
Hopefully it will be on display by Christmas
Use a few light coats of the primer - it's very easy to put too much on because you think it's not covering very well. I usually flash each thin coat off with a hairdryer; they do dry to a thin layer once fully cured.Primer should arrive today, so I'm going to do a test on the underside of the base to check there isn't any unwanted chemical reactions. Once, its all primed, then its onto the top coats and the decals. Really not looking forward to the decals...
Hopefully it will be on display by Christmas
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