Painting plastic aircaft

[FierceKitty]

Does one prime the things like metal figures before painting in poster paints? Advise me, pray.

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

Poster paint ?? - surely enamel or acrylic.

Yes undercoat in the normal method. I normally glue the canopy on if it's closed cockpit. If you want the transparency to stay transparent leave well away - paint panel lines carefully, and glue on after you have painted.

One point - DO NOT USE A SPRAY Can. This can chemically attack the plastic, with sad effects on the very expensive model you have just spent hours assembling.


IanS

[FierceKitty]

The bottles say poster.

Anyway, does this mean I should undercoat in the same medium as I then proceed to paint with?

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

Definitely NOT, poster paint will only adhere to absorbent surfaces...don't think it will stick to a coat of acrylic. I suggest you under coat a piece of sprue and then try your paint.

IanS

[GrumpyOldMan]

Hello FK

I'd definitely use acrylic for undercoat and painting. Poster paint is water based and won't stick to acrylic or enamel undercoat.

Acrylic is also better for a humid type climate. Experiment with artists' and craft type acrylics as well, you don't need the expensive hobby types.

Cheers

GrumpyOldMan

[FierceKitty]

Thanks, both. I'll report my progress.

[O Dinas Powys]

I have a neighbour who paints lots of model aircraft for a hobby so I'll ask what he does if I see him, but I do know he has an air-brush and possibly uses the metallic paints in an alcohol base (although not Vallejo) http://www.pendraken.co.uk/Vallejo-Paints-c27/Metals-in-Alcohol-base-sc234/

Cheers,

Meirion

[FierceKitty]

Ta.

[FierceKitty]

I have tested with a piece of sprue; no problems with my usual undercoat spray. Hurricane done, Spitfires this evening.

[SV52]

Usual figure method and materials has worked for me in 1/144 and 1/72.  As to the canopy, leave off until the very last and stick on with with liquid poly cement (sparingly).

[skywalker]

The only tip I have is use PVA glue to stick the canopy on as it does not fog it 

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

But will PVA stick poly ? (NO PARROT YOKES PLZE).

IanS