Painting Question

A couple weeks ago one of my models turned out horrible due to painting problems. So i currently started a Civic Hatchback from Revell and i dont wanna mess it up so can some one give me tips from the biggining to end and what kind of paint u use. Help will be greatly appreciated.

Have you had a good look through the FAQ? There is enough info in there to keep you busy for a good while. After digesting that then by all means ask some specific questions.
I guess the basics are surface prep, primer and finaly the colour coat.

How to prepare and paint bodies (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&postid=547069&t=9066#post547069)

The P'Man's How-To in the FAQ is all you need: It made me completely revise the way I paint, and it ALWAYS works!

why do you have to was the model and sand it? The model i have is a Revell civic so i thought they came ready to be primed than painted. Plus why do you heat the primer im confused.

Washing the body removes mold release agent that is on the surface of the plastic. The manufacturers use it so the parts fall out of the mold easily on the production line. It is a grease like lubricant and could cause problems with the paint adhering, like the dreaded "fisheyes".

Similarly you sand the surface to provide some "tooth" for the paint to grip. Otherwise the paint could lift off when you are masking, polishing or gluing parts together.

Heating the primer in a spraycan does two things. Boosts pressure in the can so the propellant doesn’t run out before the paint does. Secondly heat lowers the viscosity of the paint when it hits the surface of the model. That is a good thing because it allows the paint more time to level out and give a smoother, shinier finish.

i think putting paint in the microwave is dangerous why not just put it in hot water

i think putting paint in the microwave is dangerous why not just put it in hot water

Thats what you are supposed to do. Microwave a bowl of water and put the can in the water after its hot.

Yes hot water is the best method, do not heat metal objects in a microwave. PMan isn't suggesting that, rather he uses the (switched off!) microwave as a dust free place to store the model while the paint cures.

Thats what you are supposed to do. Microwave a bowl of water and put the can in the water after its hot.

:) Yup! That always works!

i have a warning......

before you microwave the water, put a bit of salt in it.

this stops it splashing boiled water on you (still place the can in slowly)



this works because, if water is microwaved enough, it can become pure (distilled), when this happens it will reach boiling point, but not bubble or boil this is called superheated, when the can, or anything, is placed in the water (even if it's slowly) the sudden addtion of impurities (oil from hands, dust etc), will make the water instantly boil, and it will splash up and out of the bowl or cup.

this is unlikely if you use fresh tap water, but if you microwave it enough, or have a water purifier, it is a risk.


BTW: the salt you add beforehand, should make the water impure, and it will make it unable to boil off before you are ready to take it out.







the things you learn from TV

Interesting tip hks_kansei. But I'd recommend just using hot water straight from the tap, boiling water would be way too hot. I actually use a small space heater, quicker and less messy, but don't leave the can there for too long or you could melt something!

thanks for the tip that probly saved my life

Yeah Benzon, I'm so glad you didn't just pop the aircan in the micro and cook it. I imagine you would have ended up front page news in a few countries!!!

I'd agree with rallyraider about the hot water coming from the tap. I'd be pretty sceptical about putting a pressurized container into boiling hot water!!

P.S. Remember to wear a respirator (topic of the moment!)

I will add that I tend to shake my can for a good 3 - 4 minutes, as I have found that not shaking the can well enough has created problems with paint drops on the surface.

I learnt this from the start, and I've always shook the can for plenty of time after that. I even shake the can when I am using it. I also use hot water from the tap, and heat the can for about 4 minutes, shake for two minutes reheat the can and shake for 3 minutes, then start painting.

Oh - and I'm not sure if anyone else is doing this, but for all coats I lay it on lightly going round a few times wait 15 mintues go around again etc to build the colour up, then the last two coats I spray closer to the body, to let the paint gloss up, but I don't go over again. I pass once, with a heavy coat and allow to dry. Comes out looking like glass..!! The light coats look rubbish, all dull and bad, but DO not be tempted to over do the mist. It all comes right with the wet coats.

If this is wrong perhaps someone can correct me, but I've just done a paint job today (not at work) and i did just this and it looks superb..!!

I've just done a paint job today (not at work) and i did just this and it looks superb..!!

:tongue: Yum :tongue:

Let's see then!

The hot water from the tap should only be hot enough to leave your hand under it for a short time before it starts to get to much for you.
If your water is to hot you cant hold your hand under it you should turn the heat down.(when you have small kids you will find this to be very important!!) This is all you will need for heating up your can before painting.

:tongue: Yum :tongue:

Let's see then!

Here you go -

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/283591porsche1-med.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/283591porsche2-med.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/283591porsche3-med.jpg

Followed P-Man guide, apart from the coats I applied.

1 x gray primer (Dark colour so didn't use white)- light but covered the entire body. Sanded the body first with 600 grit then 1200, washed

Sanded primer with 1500 - very smooth after this, washed

3 x mist coats of TS-14 black - sanded with 3600, washed

1 x heavy wet coat - sanded dust out (two dust marks), washed

2 x further mists

1 x much wetter coat

1 x VERY wet coat (final)

All I've got to do now is cut back with 6000, then 8000 then use Tamiya Compound and wax. Finished..!! I hope..

I was painting my desert rat truck today with a royal purpleish color, and man, the first coat was really thick. Why don't I ever look here for tips before hand... It is all shiny and stuff, I think I went through most of the can painting the cab, bed, trailer, and roof. I hope I won't need much more since it is a off road truck, make it look dirty and worn. I will try this tip with my Supra after I sand it down and hope it works.

That Boxter body looks fantastic Mick.
The method you've use is ideal and your results are evidence.

Sticky Fingers i wouldnt have done something dangereous like that with out knowing fully what to do.

Praise the lord!

That Boxter body looks fantastic Mick.
The method you've use is ideal and your results are evidence.


Thanks - Problem is, I can't complete the kit, as I brought it from ebay for £4 including postage as my intended use for it was for testing paint jobs. I can complete the body, etc but the decals are missing as are a small number of small parts.

TBH, the kit was .99p + £3.50 postage and I just thought, why not. I need something to trash and learn with. It was after I trashed the Skyline I was working on I thought - I'll test some paint jobs with the Boxster.. I've ruined enough kits already..

Problem is, the paint looks great but I can't complete the kit unless I buy another kit. Searching on ebay hasn't turned one up yet, but you can buy the SP version but that's £15 with shipping.. Just typical, I get the paint right for once, and the kit was a scrap kit in the first place..!!

Oh well..!!

Lesson learned there though Mick. And now you can be more confident when laying down that next paint job.

I'm just going to buy a new kit - £15.00 to get the car completed and another car on the display shelf, might as well.. Not the first time I've heard of anyone buying another kit to finish a project off.

Gets me the missing decals, wheels and dash as the car is actaully a nice car, and looks great in black.

And yep, it was a great test, and worked a treat. The process I used will be used for all my cars now..!!