I'm considering giving one of these kits a try. They do look pretty intimidating. One question I have: How to paint the metal castings that many of them have? I don't have an airbrush. I'm thinking either Vallejo or Folk Art type acrylics. Should I prime first to make paint stick? Tips to avoid obscuring the details?Thanks in advance!
Any other general tips on how to approach one of these kits. Looks like several months of work for one of these.
They are really easy kits to do because they are step by step including finishing instructions. They do take time though.
ChrisVAShould I prime first to make paint stick? Tips to avoid obscuring the details?
I would especially recommend priming the metal alloy parts. Krylon gray used to be my go-to for primer that wasn't too heavy but it has been tough to find lately.
Recently I began using Tamiya primer with excellent results. It can be a bit pricey but I've found that Hobbylinc seems to have a decent price on it, still expensive but worth it IMHO.
https://www.hobbylinc.com/tamiya-fine-surface-primer-l-light-gray-180-ml-hobby-and-model-acrylic-paint-87064
There are several varieties in "Fine" or regular and white or light gray. Once the primer is applied I like to use Vallejo Model paints. I've recently discovered the joys of using a wet palete. Look it up and try it.
I use this one and love it.
Good Luck, Ed
Yes gray primer first - the detail parts can be tedious, I cycle through all the parts with the various colors. For "wood" details - pallets, barrels etc., you can use earth color primer followed by a dark alcohol wash and you are done. Get some very small brushes for the little details (bottles etc.). George does an excellent job with the step by step instructions - read through first and take your time.
I've painted lots of white metal castings. You will likely need two coats, whether one of those is primer is up up to you. I generally paint the castings once and then touch up when they are dry.
Primer might be more important if you plan to handle the castings.....If you use primer, make sure it is complimentary to the final color. Otherwise it's two coats to cover the primer (don't ask).
I use Vallejo or old Pollyscale for most of my painting. The key to not obscuring details is to thin the paint (even when brush painting) and to paint thin, even coats. I have used other paints but I always come back to the high quality brands.
An airbrush will cover clean in one pass but feels like overkill here. I use high quality art brushes that I buy on sale at the art store to hand paint my detail castings. Time consuming, but they sure look good on the layout.
Have fun,
Guy
see stuff at: the Willoughby Line Site