Author Topic: model questions (Read 477 times)

101ABN · « **on:** March 30, 2005, 07:28:28 AM »

for those who build models, can you place decals (that the kit includes) on painted surfaces? Im in the middle of constructing my Me109 and i wanted to paint it. I havent built a model in years and when i did, i never painted them. The 109 is the test rat so i can figure out how terrible i am at it.

frank3 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 30, 2005, 07:55:50 AM »

Yes, you are supposed to paint first, and than place your decals on it, saves alot of trouble

If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to ask!
(please show some pictures when it's ready?)

Good luck!

Shane · « **Reply #2 on:** March 30, 2005, 08:02:26 AM »

yes you can.... the best method for making sure the decals stick, especially to flat paints is to coat the area (or the whole model) with some sort of glossy cover. the gives the decals a better adhension. there are various decal setting solutions that assist in this. once the decals have been set, you can then coat the area (or whole model) with a clear flat to bring it back to the finish you want.

here's a link with various decal tips:

http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/TnT_Archives/Decaling.htm

I like this method:

http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/tnt1/001-100/TNT096_Future_Swan/tnt096.htm

and for further uses of future:

http://www.swannysmodels.com/TheCompleteFuture.html

have fun.

frank3 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 30, 2005, 08:41:12 AM »

Lol Shane, for a beginner that's too much work. I never did that when I first started (I still don't!)

The things will stick perfectly just with some water

101ABN · « **Reply #4 on:** March 30, 2005, 09:14:44 AM »

when im done with the test subject ill post the pics, then its off to the b17, b26, and the p38 (i got a stack of model kits that i cant seem to start.... blast AH2!!! ha ha)

thanks for the input and the links guys!

SKJohn · « **Reply #5 on:** March 30, 2005, 10:20:00 AM »

Aftern you paint it, airbrush a coating of "Future" floor wax over it. Wait 24 hrs. befoe putting on the decals. That gives the decals a glossy coating to stick to. If you've ever tried to apply decals to "flat" colors, yuo'l find that they will not stick. After your decals have dried and set up, airbrush a "clear flat" coating over everything to dull down the shine that the Future made.

texace · « **Reply #6 on:** March 30, 2005, 02:49:00 PM »

I was almost giddy when I saw how to create your own decals. I'm taking a B-17 model and converting it into the bomber in my novel. These techniques will be a great help.

Reschke · « **Reply #7 on:** March 30, 2005, 03:46:26 PM »

I have an A-36 Apache and an Me-410 that I need to start working on. Now that I have a house with a real area to work on stuff like that in I can do it. Now I just need to clean it up a bit.

frank3 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 31, 2005, 11:42:48 AM »

Do you have an airbrush 101ABN?

Scootter · « **Reply #9 on:** March 31, 2005, 02:07:10 PM »

If you put decals on a flat surface they most likely will "silver", this is when they appear to be lighter or whitesh. This is caused by the flat (rough under a microscope) surface not allowing them to snuggle down tight to the surface and reflecting the light back uneavenly. On a gloss (very smooth) surface they cling tight, so the best way as mentioned is to paint as usual then apply a clear finish,

http://www.swannysmodels.com/TheCompleteFuture.html

I use Future floor finish (a clear acrylic) to the whole model, apply the decals (I also use microsol to soften them so they snuggle into the panal lines) then when dry and cleaned (wipped down to remove water spots) I apply a flat (Testers flat laquer) air brushed on to get the flat back.

Test the Microsol on an old model to get used to it, dont even think about touching the decal after the microsol as been applied untill after it has dryed.

Have fun and good luck!!

http://www.ipmsusa.org/ForumSQL7/default.asp

http://modelingmadness.com/

101ABN · « **Reply #10 on:** March 31, 2005, 03:54:48 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by frank3
Do you have an airbrush 101ABN?

not yet, wife was going to get me one. is there a particular one/type?

Schatzi · « **Reply #11 on:** March 31, 2005, 04:17:27 PM »

I usually paint most pieces before i assemble them. Except the outer surface of the plane. That gets painted before adding the externals like bombs/rockets, antennae and DTs (depending on their colour being diffenrent than the planes skin). Decals and thread antennae are last.

You do have to pay attention when putting the decals though. Make sure theres no air bubbles (sorry, bad english... to late for proper vocab research) under the decals. they look strange when dried. I always use a brush to place them.

Still dreaming of an airbrush....

Scootter · « **Reply #12 on:** March 31, 2005, 04:17:57 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by 101ABN
not yet, wife was going to get me one. is there a particular one/type?

I like the Badger line, I have three Crescendos I picked up a set of two on EBAY for 45 bucks.

They are a bit tricker to learn as they are double action types but you will learn to use them fast and can do more with them when you get good. Also the single action 150's are good.

Bear Air is about the best site, price wise if you don't find what you want on Ebay.

I use a small air compresser from Home Depot with a small regulater and water filter inline (also from the Depot)

Works fine but I paint in the garage so noise is not a problem.

Stay away from the Testers line IMHO as they seem a bit cheep to me.

http://www.bearair.com/prodinfo.asp?number=100179

http://www.bearair.com