Pendraken Miniatures Forum

Wider Wargaming => Genre/Period Discussion => 20th Century => Topic started by: FierceKitty on 10 September 2015, 12:00:20 PM

Title: Painting plastic aircaft
Post by: FierceKitty on 10 September 2015, 12:00:20 PM
Does one prime the things like metal figures before painting in poster paints? Advise me, pray.
Title: Re: Painting plastic aircaft
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 10 September 2015, 12:10:46 PM
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
Title: Re: Painting plastic aircaft
Post by: FierceKitty on 10 September 2015, 12:13:39 PM
The bottles say poster.

Anyway, does this mean I should undercoat in the same medium as I then proceed to paint with?
Title: Re: Painting plastic aircaft
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 10 September 2015, 12:40:50 PM
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
Title: Re: Painting plastic aircaft
Post by: GrumpyOldMan on 10 September 2015, 11:03:58 PM
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
Title: Re: Painting plastic aircaft
Post by: FierceKitty on 10 September 2015, 11:11:50 PM
Thanks, both. I'll report my progress.
Title: Re: Painting plastic aircaft
Post by: O Dinas Powys on 11 September 2015, 08:13:32 AM
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/ (http://www.pendraken.co.uk/Vallejo-Paints-c27/Metals-in-Alcohol-base-sc234/)

Cheers,

Meirion
Title: Re: Painting plastic aircaft
Post by: FierceKitty on 11 September 2015, 10:34:09 AM
Ta.
Title: Re: Painting plastic aircaft
Post by: FierceKitty on 14 September 2015, 08:00:56 AM
I have tested with a piece of sprue; no problems with my usual undercoat spray. Hurricane done, Spitfires this evening.
Title: Re: Painting plastic aircaft
Post by: SV52 on 14 September 2015, 08:27:16 AM
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).
Title: Re: Painting plastic aircaft
Post by: skywalker on 14 September 2015, 11:27:03 AM
The only tip I have is use PVA glue to stick the canopy on as it does not fog it  :)
Title: Re: Painting plastic aircaft
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 14 September 2015, 11:38:02 AM
But will PVA stick poly ? (NO PARROT YOKES PLZE).

IanS