original_40
Hey guys,
Starting on my very FIRST kit and come bearing TONS of questions! Ive read many articles and watched many videos and its been a little overwhelming for me about where to start. I wanted to start by painting the engine but after putting together the engine block, I realized...hmmm..I probably should have painted the pieces while they were still on the sprue (first rookie mistake). I'm very anxious and nervous about this new hobby. Forgive me. My main questions are, "Should the pieces be primed before painting?" (I'm Brush Painting btw). I'm testing acrylic colors and enamel colors, "Should i be thinning the paints before I start painting? Is that more of a rule of thumb or just preference?". Sorry if this comes off elementary, alot of pre-information Ive received has kind of left me overwhelmed and undecided. Suggestions would be greatly appreciated! thnx![Smile]()
Always remove the parts before painting. Otherwise, you'll have to sand and touch up the paint after you remove the parts. It's also impossible to remove the mold lines from the parts while they're on the tree. So, you made no mistake.
Primer makes all the difference in the world when it comes time to paint whether you're spraying or brushing it on. I used to only primer the body on a model. Now, I primer every single part. I was always frustrated with how my engines and chassis' would look when I painted them. It didn't matter if I sprayed them or brush painted them. The paint would always be thin on the raised details and sharp corners etc. unless I used a flat paint. One day, I decided to try primering an engine before painting it. When I spray painted it, I was very pleased with how well the paint covered with just one coat of paint. I've primered everything since.
I like the acrylic paints best for brush painting. Easy clean up and covers better. They also don't show brush marks as much as enamels do. I don't thin acrylics. But, when I'm brushing them on, I dip my brush in water before loading it with paint. For me, it makes the paint flow better onto the parts and almost eliminates brush marks. You can do the same with enamels. But, with thinner instead of water.