Maya Ellison
Painting a plastic kit is a great way to take your hobby to the next level. It's important to prepare the plastic surface before painting to ensure the best results. This includes cleaning the model with soap and water, and sanding the surface to create a rougher texture for the paint to adhere to. When it comes to painting, you can use a brush, spray can, or airbrush, ensuring you always work in a well-ventilated area and take the necessary safety precautions. The paint must be thoroughly mixed and applied in thin, even layers, working from light to dark colours. After each layer, allow sufficient drying time before applying additional coats or finishing with a sealant or clear coat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Clean the model with water and soap to ensure dust particles or contaminants don't get sealed into the paint job. Use a respirator, protective gloves, and safety goggles when spraying paint. |
| Priming | Use a light-colored primer, such as light grey or white enamel paint, to achieve a uniform color. Wait at least 24 hours for the primer to dry before gently sanding it with fine grit sandpaper. |
| Painting | Tape off areas you don't want to paint. Stir the paint thoroughly for about a minute before testing it on a small area. Use a brush or spray can to apply light colors first, followed by dark tones and metallic colors. |
| Drying | Allow each coat of paint to dry for 30-60 minutes, and apply up to four coats as needed. Let the final coat dry for about 12 hours before removing the taped areas. |
| Sealant | Apply a clear lacquer sealant using a spray can or airbrush gun. Choose between a matte, satin, or glossy finish, ensuring it matches the color type and is applied thinly to preserve small details. |
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What You'll Learn
Clean the plastic kit with soap and water before painting
To ensure the best results when painting a plastic kit, it is important to clean the plastic surface before painting. This will ensure that dust particles, contaminants, or surface prep dust don't get sealed into your paint job. It will also help to get rid of any mould release agents used during the manufacturing process, which are no longer necessary and can hinder the final finish.
To clean the plastic kit, fill a bowl with warm water and add a mild detergent such as dish soap. Mix the water and soap together and submerge the plastic kit in the solution. Use a clean toothbrush to gently scrub the kit for 1-2 minutes. This will help to dislodge any dirt or contaminants. Then, rinse the kit under clean water and dry it with a clean cloth.
If you prefer, you can also use isopropyl alcohol to clean the kit. Simply submerge the kit in the alcohol or wipe it down with a cloth before rinsing and drying. This method may be preferred if you are concerned about any potential reaction between the soap and the plastic.
Once the kit is clean and dry, you can begin the painting process. It is recommended to use a primer, especially if your model is made of a combination of materials, as it will help to produce a uniform colour. A light-coloured primer, such as light grey or white, is best as it will not interfere with the final paint colour. Apply the primer with a spray can, holding it about 10-12 inches away from the model and spraying in quick, even strokes. Allow the primer to dry for at least 24 hours before gently sanding it with fine-grit sandpaper and water to smooth out any lumps or bumps.
After priming, you can start the painting process. Stir the paint thoroughly before use to ensure the contents are mixed well. For brush painting, the paint should be thicker than milk, and for airbrushing, it should be thinned out with water or enamel thinner. Always start with light colours first, followed by dark tones, and finally, metallic colours. Apply the paint slowly and evenly, working in one direction to avoid paint noses. Allow each coat to dry for about 30-60 minutes, and apply up to four coats if necessary. Finally, let the model dry for about 12 hours before removing the taped-off areas.
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Use a primer if you plan on touching the model regularly
When painting a plastic kit, it is not necessary to use a primer. However, if you plan on touching the model regularly, using a primer can be beneficial. Primer helps the paint adhere to the model and can produce a uniform colour, especially if your model is made of multiple materials. It also provides extra protection and can hide minor scratches and surface imperfections.
If you decide to use a primer, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure to clean the plastic kit thoroughly to remove any oils, fingerprints, or mould release agents that may prevent the paint from sticking. You can use soap and water or isopropyl alcohol for this step. Once the model is clean and dry, apply a thin coat of primer. Use a white or light grey primer for darker colours, and hold the can about 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) away from the model. Spray in quick, even strokes until the entire model is covered. Allow the primer to dry for at least 24 hours before proceeding to the next step.
After the primer has dried, you can lightly sand the surface with very fine-grit sandpaper (2000 grit) and water to remove any lumps or bumps and create a smoother base for the paint. Remember to clean the sandpaper and the model after each use to remove any residue.
Once the primer is prepared, you can start painting your model. Stir the paint thoroughly before use, and test the colour on a small area of the model or on a plastic cup. When you are ready to paint, hold the can or brush about 30 cm away from the model and work in one direction to avoid colour noses. Allow each coat of paint to dry for about 30 to 60 minutes, and apply additional coats as needed. Finally, let the model dry for at least 12 hours before handling it.
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Stir the paint for at least one minute before use
When painting a plastic kit, it is important to stir the paint before use. This is because paint tends to separate when it has been sitting for a long time, with the solvent rising to the top and the pigment sinking. This results in noticeable layers forming in the paint. By stirring the paint, you can mix the ingredients properly and ensure that the colour and consistency of the finish are even.
Stirring paint is especially important when using enamel and acrylic modelling paints, as these types of paint are more prone to separation. It is recommended to stir the paint for at least one minute to achieve the optimal consistency. You can use a variety of tools to stir the paint, such as a toothpick, a plastic stick, a small wooden spatula, or even an egg beater attached to a drill.
Stirring the paint before each use is crucial to achieving a smooth and uniform finish on your plastic kit. It ensures that the paint applies evenly and helps to avoid any lumps or bumps in the final paintwork. A proper stirring technique will also help to prevent "fish eyes", which occur when surface contaminants push through or repel the paint.
Additionally, stirring the paint can help to improve the coverage and adhesion of the paint. This is important when painting plastic, as you want the paint to adhere properly to the surface and not peel or flake off over time. By taking the time to stir the paint adequately, you can achieve a high-quality and long-lasting finish on your plastic kit.
In summary, stirring the paint for at least one minute before use is an essential step in the process of painting a plastic kit. It ensures that the paint is properly mixed, providing an even and consistent finish that adheres well to the plastic surface. By following this simple step, you can significantly improve the overall quality and durability of your paint job.
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Tape off areas you don't want to paint
To achieve a clean and precise paint job on a plastic kit, it is essential to tape off the areas you don't want to paint. This process, known as masking, ensures that only the desired surfaces are painted, creating a neat and professional finish. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the taping process:
Firstly, select an appropriate tape for the job. It is recommended to use masking tape, which comes in various sizes and can be easily found at most hardware or craft stores. The size of the tape you choose should correspond to the size of the areas you wish to protect from paint. Smaller areas will require narrower tape, while wider tape can be used for larger sections. Ensure you have enough tape to cover all the necessary areas.
Next, carefully apply the tape to the surfaces you want to keep paint-free. Take your time with this step to ensure accurate placement. Smooth down the tape to ensure it adheres securely to the plastic, creating a tight seal. This step is crucial to prevent paint from seeping underneath the tape, which could result in messy edges.
When taping off areas, consider the direction you will be spraying or brushing the paint. Ensure that the tape is applied in a way that will block the paint from reaching the protected areas. For example, if you are spray painting, angle the tape slightly away from the masked area to avoid any potential paint drift.
If your plastic kit has intricate details or hard-to-reach areas that you want to protect, you may need to cut the tape into custom shapes. Carefully measure and cut the tape with a sharp blade or scissors to fit the specific contours of the model. This step requires precision and patience to ensure a clean finish.
After you have finished painting and allowed the paint to dry thoroughly, it's time to remove the tape. Do this slowly and carefully to avoid accidentally peeling off any dried paint. Start from one corner of the tape and gently lift it away from the surface at a shallow angle. Ensure that the paint is completely dry to prevent smudging or lifting.
By following these steps, you can effectively tape off the areas you don't want to paint, ensuring a clean and precise paint job on your plastic kit. Taking the time to prepare your model with proper taping will result in a more polished and professional-looking final product.
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Use a brush or spray can for painting
Painting a plastic kit can be done using a brush or spray can. The brush method is ideal for beginners, but it can leave smears or brush marks. Spray paint, on the other hand, produces a smoother finish but requires more preparation and safety precautions.
If you choose to use a brush, it is important to invest in good-quality artist paintbrushes. Before you begin painting, stir the paint well for about a minute to ensure it has the right consistency—it should be thicker than milk. When you're ready to paint, use long, even strokes and always start with light colours, followed by dark tones, and finally, metallic colours. Wash your brush thoroughly after each colour change. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one, and lightly sand between coats to smooth out any imperfections.
For spray painting, it is crucial to work in a well-ventilated area to protect yourself from paint fumes. Cover your work environment carefully, and wear a respirator, protective gloves, and safety goggles. Before spraying, clean the plastic surface thoroughly with warm soapy water and dry it completely. You may also need to sand the surface lightly to create a rough texture that helps the paint adhere better. Once the surface is prepared, shake the spray can thoroughly and test the spray off to the side or on a piece of scrap material. Hold the can between 8 and 12 inches away from the surface and use smooth, sweeping motions to apply the paint. Apply several light coats, waiting 30 to 60 seconds between each coat.
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Frequently asked questions
Clean the kit with water and soap to ensure dust particles or contaminants don't get sealed into your paint job. You can also wipe it down with mineral spirits or isopropyl alcohol to remove any remaining plastic dust. If your kit is made from multiple materials, you may want to prime it first to achieve a uniform colour.
Paints specifically intended for plastic include Krylon Fusion for Plastic or Rust-Oleum Specialty Plastic Primer Spray. If you are using regular spray paint, you should prime the plastic first. Enamel and acrylic modelling paints tend to separate when they've been sitting in the bottle for a long time, so make sure to mix them before use.
You can use a brush, spray can or airbrush gun to apply the paint. If you are using a brush, make sure it is a good quality artist's paintbrush. If you are using a spray, hold the can between 8 and 12 inches away from the plastic, with the can tilted at about a 45-degree angle. Spray lightly across the surface, moving the can to avoid drips. If you are using an airbrush, thin your paint with enamel thinner or water and hold the nozzle 4-8 inches away from the surface.
Start with light colours, then move to dark tones and finally, metallic colours. Paint slowly and evenly, and wash your brush after each colour change. Wait 30-60 minutes between each coat, and let the model dry for 12 hours once you have finished.
You can apply a sealant with a clear lacquer to protect your kit from dust and dirt. You can use a spray can or airbrush gun to apply the sealant, but make sure it matches the colour type and that you do not apply it too thickly.
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