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ENGL-395 Jeannette Novakovich Assignment #3 Instruction Set

A 5 Step Guide to Painting Scale Models with Professional Results

Exotic, famous, historic, and race, those are all words that describe the different types of automobiles people desire. Only a select few can aspire to owning the real thing for reasons of price and availability. Fortunately, for those unable to acquire the actual vehicle, there is an entire industry devoted to offering scaled down versions of these cars allowing hobbyists a virtual garage containing nearly any car desired. The scale models are available in either of three media: die-cast metal, resin, and plastic (injection moulded polystyrene). Die-cast cars are usually finished models ready for display, plastic kits are wide ranging and vary in levels of difficulty, while resin kits are very limited production runs aimed at the advanced modeller. The techniques presented here will concentrate on working with plastic but can be transferred to any other medium. The major steps involved in achieving professional results are as follows: Sand, Prime, Paint, Polish, and Wax. Estimated time to complete can vary from 6 to 13 hours, factoring in 15 days of drying time.

NOTE

These instructions are intended for the intermediate modeller wishing to improve their skills; beginners may want to practice on scrap plastic at first.

Acquiring a new skill requires practice, so dont be afraid to make mistakes. Its a hobby; have fun!

Items required
Each of the following items can be found at your favourite hobby shop or general retailer. o o o o o o o o o o o Plastic model kit (your choice): Wet/dry sanding films (600, 800, & 1200 grit): Primer (white or grey): Spray paints (your choice): Plastic tub (4L) with lid: Paintbrushes size 00, 1, 3, & 8: Rubbing compound: Automotive wax polish: Nitrile gloves: Lint-free cloths & cotton swabs: Toothbrush (new): $10 to $200+ $4 to $8 per set $8 to $12 $6 to $12 per colour $1 to $4 $4 to $30 $8 to $12 $6 to $50 $6 box of 50 $3 each $3 to $4

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Step 1: Sand
Estimated time to complete: 3h to 4h + 24h drying time When first getting a kit, the first impulse is to start painting right away. Unfortunately, this will give poor results. In order to achieve great results, it is imperative to prepare the surface for the paint to adhere properly. Plastic models are made from injection moulded styrene. When an item is cast, flash (mould line) appears where the two mould halves meet (similar to chocolate Easter bunnies). The mould lines are very small raised lines that usually run along the side of the roof line, down each pillar, along the edge of the hood/trunk and carry on down though the lights and bumpers. Heres how to get rid of flash.

CAUTION
a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h)

Be sure to differentiate flash from the intentional body panel lines.

Gently remove flash starting with 600 grit dry sanding film. Repeat with wet sanding. Continue sanding with progressively smoother grades of grit. Alternate dry sanding with wet sanding, using 800, 1000, and finally with 1200 grit film. Once the flash is removed, wash the model in warm soapy water and leave to dry. This will remove most oils and sanding residue from the plastic. Brush off all remaining sanding particles left on the car shell using a dry, soft bristled #8 paintbrush. Rinse once more in warm running water. This helps remove any static charge from the plastic. Shake as much water off the car shell as you can. Now, brush remaining water beads off the car to avoid any hard water spotting. Allow the car shell to dry (at least 24 hours) inside a plastic tub. A lid will prevent any dust from getting into the box and onto the car (see Figure 1).

Figure 1: Drying bin protects your model from dust.

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Step 2: Prime
Estimated time to complete: 45min to 90min + 1week curing time The secret to a great paint finish is in priming. A primer is a grey or white flat base coat that bonds to the plastic surface, acting as a protective barrier, and allowing paint to adhere evenly. Also, certain types of paints, such as lacquers, may be too harsh for direct contact with polystyrene.

WARNING

Work in a well ventilated area and protect your lungs. Always wear a filtered breathing mask when spraying paint. Wear Nitrile gloves to protect hands from harsh chemicals found in primer solvents.

a) Mist the primer on the car shell from a perpendicular distance of 7-9 inches, moving the can across gently from side to side. b) Do not start or stop halfway. Continue past the model before changing directions. c) After a first misting, replace body in the plastic dust-free container. Wait 30 minutes. d) Mist a second coat of primer to cover the entire car shell. e) Replace model in the drying tub. Allow primer to dry for one week.

NOTE
Step 3: Paint

The primer will reveal any surface irregularities missed in Step 1. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until results are satisfactory.

Estimated time to complete: 45min to 90min + 1week curing time Take your time. Do not rush. Apply three to four coats of finish paint on your car shell in 510 minute intervals. While spray painting, if you are too far away, your paint will dry before hitting the surface, resulting in an orange peel finish. Spray too closely and the paint will go on too thickly, causing runs and bubbles to appear.

WARNING

Work in a well ventilated area and protect your lungs. Always wear a filtered breathing mask when spraying paint. Wear Nitrile gloves to protect hands from harsh chemicals found in paint solvents. Prescribed order for painting: Front and rear bumpers, both sides along the whole length of the car body, then the hood, trunk, and lastly the roof.

NOTE

a) Mist a very light coat of paint from a distance of 810 inches, using the same technique mastered in Step 2. b) Repeat for a second coat. c) Spray a third coat bit more heavily by slowing down the movement so it covers the surface.

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d) Spray the final coat at a closer distance of 57 inches. This will lend a mirror-like smoothness to the final coat. e) Allow the car shell to dry in the tub for one week.

Step 4: Polish
Estimated time to complete: 1h to 3h Once the paint has cured, it can be polished with a rubbing compound. This important step smoothes out the paint even further and ensures a perfect preparation for the wax. The rubbing compound will not take out bad orange peel. If you do have orange peel you will need to sand the body first before continuing. a) First add a small amount of rubbing compound to the lint-free cloth. See Figure 2 for amount required to rub the front of a car. Use a cotton swab for tight areas. b) Rub compound in small circular movements by applying very light pressure. c) Slowly increase the area being worked on so the whole area is covered as in Figure 3. d) Change cloth section often. This avoids a build up of paint which can cause scratches as you are trying to pull around old paint from the cloth. e) Add compound if the paint surface gets too dry. Once the whole car is covered, wipe it clean with a new cloth. f) Allow the compound to dry 34 minutes and then remove remaining powder from panel lines with the toothbrush. g) Lastly, give the car a final light brush over to remove all the compound dust

Figure 2: Dab of compound.

Figure 3: Compound applied on hood

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Step 5: Wax
Estimated time to complete: 1h to 3h Waxing is the last and easiest step to accomplish. It is how a show-car glossy finish is obtained. a) b) c) d) e) Apply a small amount of wax onto a new cloth (see Figure 2). Rub wax in small circular movements by applying very light pressure (see Figure 3). Let wax dry for 1-2 minutes. Wipe clean using light, circular motions. Repeat this for each body panel and you will achieve a finish as demonstrated by Figure 4.

Figure 4: Wax brings out the shine and subtleties of the body.

The model can now be built according to kits instructions. To add realism, door seals and other rubber elements are painted semi-gloss black. Furthermore, depth can be added to body panels by using a light black wash applied by capillary action with a small 00 brush. Wipe the excess away with a clean cloth. You will then have a model you can be proud of and will want to display for everyone to admire.