Sofia Martinez
Building a plastic model car can be a rewarding hobby that relieves stress and lets your artistry shine. Before you start, it's a good idea to look through the instruction manual and clean the parts to ensure that glue, paint, and decals adhere properly. You can assemble most scale-model vehicles with basic supplies, many of which you might already have at home, such as painter's tape, paper towels or cloths, rubber bands or clothes pegs, plastic zip-top bags, cotton balls or swabs, toothpicks, and scissors or hobby knives. If you want to paint your model car, you'll need paint, paintbrushes, and thinner to clean up any mistakes or your brushes. You can also use sandpaper to smooth the plastic and create a fine finish before painting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Skill level 2 model kits typically require no extensive cutting, sanding, or painting. |
| Assembly | Plastic model car kits are available in "snap-together" form or for assembly using plastic glue. |
| Preparation | Clean parts with warm soapy water to ensure glue, paint, and decals adhere properly. |
| Painting | Use painter's tape to help achieve clean paint lines. Choose the right-sized brush for the part being painted. |
| Tools | Hobby/craft knives, scissors, rubber bands/clothes pegs, zip-top bags, cotton balls/swabs, toothpicks, sandpaper/sanding sticks, cutting mats, surface primers, and lacquer thinners. |
| Size | Model kits are sized by "scale," which represents the size of the kit relative to the actual item. For example, a 1/24 model car is 1/24 the size of a real car. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a kit
Firstly, it is important to decide on the type of kit that best suits your needs and preferences. Plastic model kits are available in a variety of types, ranging from ""snap-together" kits to glue-together kits. Snap-together kits, as the name suggests, do not require glue or paint for assembly, making them a good option for beginners or those who want a quicker build. Glue-together kits, on the other hand, offer a more advanced building experience and allow for a higher level of customisation.
Secondly, consider the skill level required for the kit. Model kits typically come with a skill level rating, such as the skill level 2 model kit example mentioned in the guide, which indicates the complexity of the build. A lower skill level rating suggests a simpler build that may not require extensive cutting, sanding, or painting, while a higher skill level rating indicates a more challenging project.
Thirdly, pay attention to the parts included in the kit. Different kits will have varying numbers and types of parts, which can be categorised by the sprue tree they are on. Some kits may include multiple sprue trees holding dozens of different parts, while others may have fewer parts that are quicker to assemble. It is also important to check if the parts require any cleaning or preparation before assembly, as some parts may have a slight film from the manufacturing process that should be cleaned off to ensure proper adhesion of glue, paint, and decals.
Lastly, consider the level of customisation you desire. If you plan to paint your model car, look for a kit that offers a variety of parts that can be painted while still attached to the sprue tree, making the process easier. Additionally, consider the level of detail you want to achieve and choose a kit that offers the appropriate level of customisation options, such as decals, lighting, or engine detail.
By considering these factors when choosing a kit, you can ensure that you select a project that aligns with your skill level, interests, and desired level of complexity.
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Essential tools
Building a plastic model car can be a rewarding hobby, but it requires some essential tools to get the best results. Here are the key items you'll need:
Hobby Knife or Craft Knife
A sharp hobby knife or craft knife is essential for various tasks, including removing model parts from their sprues, cutting away unwanted plastic, and trimming excess material. It's important to have a designated cutting surface, such as a large cutting mat, to protect your work area and keep things organized.
Sprue Clippers or Sharp Scissors
Sprue clippers are designed to remove parts from the sprue trees efficiently. If you don't have access to sprue clippers, a sharp pair of scissors can also do the job.
Sandpaper and Sanding Sticks
Sandpaper and sanding sticks are crucial for achieving a smooth and flawless finish on your model car. They help remove excess glue, smooth out plastic surfaces, and prepare the model for painting. It's recommended to have a range of grits from 400 to 1,000 for different levels of sanding.
Glue
A good-quality glue is essential for assembling your plastic model car. Tamiya or Mr. Hobby cement are popular choices, but for stronger and quicker bonding, you can opt for Bsi Super Gold. Avoid glues that take a long time to dry, as they can slow down your progress.
Paint and Paintbrushes
While painting is optional for some model kits, adding colour can significantly enhance the appearance of your model car. Choose the right-sized paintbrushes for the job, with finer brushes for smaller parts and larger brushes for broader areas. You'll also need a variety of paint colours, including primer, black, and the colour of your car. Don't forget to use painter's tape to protect areas you don't want to paint and paper towels or cloths for cleanup.
With these essential tools, you'll be well-equipped to start building your first plastic model car. Remember to always read through the instruction manual before beginning your project and take the time to clean and prepare your parts for the best results.
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Painting
Preparation
Before painting, ensure that the parts of your model car are clean and free of any film from the manufacturing process. Submerge the parts in warm soapy water, rinse them, and let them air dry. This step ensures that the paint adheres properly. Additionally, use sandpaper or sanding sticks to smooth out any excess plastic and create a fine finish before painting.
Choosing Paint and Brushes
You can choose to hand-paint your model car or use spray cans. If hand-painting, select modelling brushes of various sizes, including fine or extra-fine brushes for smaller parts and larger brushes for bigger sections. For spray painting, you will need primer, the desired car colour, and clear spray.
When hand-painting, dip only the tip of your brush into the paint. For smaller parts, use a minimal amount of paint to avoid messiness. You can paint many parts while they are still attached to the sprue tree, making it easier to handle and position them. Always use the appropriate-sized brush for the part you are painting.
Cleanup and Corrections
Keep thinner and a rag handy to clean up any mistakes or start over. Thinner is also useful for cleaning your brushes. Paper towels or cloths can be used to wipe paint off the model car or clean up spills, but opt for higher-quality paper towels to prevent fibre shedding.
Additional Tips
- Use painter's tape to mask off areas you don't want to paint. It is designed to come off cleanly once you're done painting.
- Rubber bands or clothes pegs can be used to hold painted parts in place while they dry.
- Use toothpicks to stir paint and for small touch-ups.
- Always read through the instruction manual before beginning the painting process to understand the specific requirements of your model kit.
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Gluing
Before gluing any parts, ensure that they are clean and dry. The parts of your model may have a slight film from the manufacturing process, which should be cleaned off. Submerge the entire sprue tree in warm soapy water, rinse, and let the parts air-dry. Clean parts ensure that glue adheres properly.
When gluing, use a toothpick to apply small amounts of glue to the parts. Rubber bands, clothes pegs, or clamps can be used to hold parts in place while the glue dries. Cotton balls or swabs can be useful for cleaning up any excess glue.
Sandpaper and sanding sticks can be used to remove excess glue, smooth plastic, and create a fine finish before painting. It is recommended to have a range of sandpaper grits from 400 to 1,000.
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Cleaning
Initial Cleaning
Before beginning the assembly process, it is important to clean the individual parts of your plastic model car. Start by placing the sprues full of parts in a pan or bowl of soapy water. Carefully rub the large pieces with your fingers, taking care not to apply too much pressure, as plastic model cars are delicate. Rinse the parts with clean water and air-dry them on paper towels. You can also use a blow dryer to ensure that no water stains remain, as these can show up under paint later.
Dust Removal
Once your model car is assembled, use an air duster to remove any basic layers of dust or other build-ups. Canned air dusters are readily available and effective for this purpose. Alternatively, you can use a soft-bristled brush, such as an old paintbrush or a makeup brush, to gently brush away dust from the surfaces and crevices of your model car. Pay special attention to the wheels, opening panels, and other detailed areas to ensure that dust does not accumulate over time.
Detailed Cleaning
For a more detailed clean, moisten the edge of a microfiber cloth with distilled water. Gently wipe down the surfaces of your model car, being careful not to apply too much pressure. Avoid areas with intricate details, such as antennas, as well as add-ons attached to the model. For these delicate areas, use a Q-tip or a toothbrush to gently remove any dust or dirt. Ensure that your cleaning tools are free from excess moisture to protect your model car from water damage.
Polishing and Waxing
After cleaning, you can polish the surfaces of your model car using a dry microfiber cloth. Gently wipe the car, following a linear motion along the surface. Avoid polishing painted areas, as the polish may erase stripes or other decorative elements. Finally, select a model-friendly wax to give your car a protective coating and a shiny finish.
Choosing Cleaning Products
When choosing cleaning products for your plastic model car, it is important to avoid heavy-duty automobile solvents or alcohol-based cleaners, as these may damage the paint. Instead, opt for simple, alcohol-free cleaning solutions that are safe for plastic models. You can also use warm or hot soapy water, which is effective in removing dirt and grime. Additionally, consider using products like Goo-Gone to remove stubborn crud, but always spot-test in an inconspicuous area first.
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Frequently asked questions
Essential supplies include hobby or craft knives, paintbrushes, glue, and paint. You can also use some everyday household items like painter's tape, paper towels or cloths, rubber bands or clothes pegs, zip-top bags, and cotton balls or swabs.
If you are a beginner, you can start with a Build 'N Play kit, which usually has about a dozen pieces and can be played with once completed. Another option is a classic snap-together kit, which is slightly more challenging and does not require glue or paint. Once you've mastered that, you can move on to glue-together kits.
Most model kits are sized by scale, which is the size of the kit relative to the actual item. For example, a 1/24 model car will be 1/24 the size of a real car. So, the smaller the number in the scale, the larger the kit will be.
Before you start, look through the instruction manual. Then, clean the parts by submerging the entire sprue tree in warm soapy water and letting them air-dry. This will ensure that glue, paint, and decals adhere properly.
Choose the right-sized brush for the part you are painting. Dip just the tip of your brush into the paint and apply it carefully. If you are unhappy with the results, you can use thinner and a rag to clean it off and start over.
