Chloe Zhang
Building and painting plastic models is a rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced modeller, having the right tools and knowing the proper techniques will help you create impressive and realistic models. From choosing the right brushes and preparing your workspace to applying primer and paint, there are many steps and techniques to learn when crafting plastic models.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint types | Enamel, Lacquer, Water-based Acrylic, Spray |
| Brush types | Synthetic Sable or Fox Hair, Natural Hair |
| Primer | Recommended for certain plastics, especially if the model is handled regularly or made from multiple materials |
| Masking | Use masking tape to cover areas that should not be painted |
| Paint application | Use thin layers, working from light to dark colours, and allow to dry between coats |
| Paint preparation | Stir paint for 1 minute before use, do not shake the bottle |
| Paint consistency | Thicker than milk for brush painting, thin for spraying |
| Spray distance | Hold can 10-12 inches from the model |
| Workspace | Outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, use a pad to avoid paint splashes |
| Additional tools | Cutting mat, airbrush, regulator, moisture trap, decals, weathering products |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right tools and materials
Basic Tools
- Sprue cutters or side cutters: These are used for carefully cutting and removing plastic model parts from the sprue or frame that holds them together. Tamiya offers various types of side cutters for different purposes.
- Craft knife or hobby knife: Useful for cleaning up parts, cutting out decals, and trimming masking tape.
- Tweezers: Helpful for applying and securing decals, especially in small or delicate areas.
- Glue or cement: Used to join different parts securely.
- Paintbrushes: For painting your model.
- Paint: Choose colours that fit the model you are building. You can also use a pre-packaged paint set.
- Masking tape: Ensures that areas of the model are well-outlined and prevents paint from getting onto unwanted areas. Use low-tack masking tape specifically made for models, as it is easier to remove without peeling off any paint.
- Primer: To cover up surface imperfections and enhance the topcoat. Choose a colour that matches your topcoat, and apply with a spray for larger areas or a brush for finer sections.
Advanced Tools
- Airbrush: Allows for an even layer of paint and is useful for large surfaces, but it is not necessary for beginners.
- Bending tool: Useful for creating clean, sharp folds in photo-etched parts.
- Mould line remover: Removes mould lines and improves panel lines on models.
- Magnifiers: Helpful for getting a close look at small details.
- Pipettes or syringes: Useful for precise measurements when mixing paints or thinning paint for an airbrush.
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Preparing the model for painting
Firstly, ensure your model is clean and free of any dirt, dust, or contaminants. Use a soft cloth to wipe down the model, removing any residue. For a more thorough clean, fill a bowl with warm water and add a mild detergent or dish soap. Submerge the model in the soapy water and use a clean toothbrush to gently brush away any stubborn dirt. Rinse the model under clean water and dry it with a clean cloth. This step is important as it ensures that your paint will adhere properly to the model and creates a smooth base for painting.
Next, consider whether your model requires a primer. Primer is not always necessary, especially if your model is made solely of plastic. However, if your model is made of multiple materials, such as plastic, wood, or metal, a primer can help create a uniform colour and better paint adhesion. If you decide to use a primer, choose a white primer for light colours and a grey primer for dark colours. Hold the primer can about 10-12 inches away from the model and spray in quick, even strokes until the entire model is covered. Allow the primer to dry for at least 24 hours before proceeding to painting.
Before painting, prepare your workspace by laying down a pad or covering to catch any paint splashes. Gather all the necessary materials, including your paint, brushes, and masking tape. Determine the order in which you will paint the different parts of the model and the colours you will use. It is generally recommended to start with light colours and move on to dark colours and metallic shades.
Finally, use masking tape to cover any areas of the model that you do not want to be painted. This process is known as "masking" and ensures crisp, clean lines in your final paint job. Tamiya offers a range of masking tape widths, from 1mm to 40mm, as well as special tape for creating curves. Once you have masked off the desired areas, you are ready to begin painting your model.
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Using primer
Primer is not always necessary when painting plastic models. If your model is made of multiple materials, primer will help you achieve a uniform colour. It can also help paint adhere to the model, but it can fill in intricate engravings and thicken your model. If you don't plan on handling your model regularly, you can skip the primer.
If you decide to use primer, there are a few options to choose from. Tamiya offers high-quality primers in various colours, which are ideal for plastics. You can use either liquid or spray primers. For light colours, use a white primer, and for dark colours, use a grey primer. If you're using an airbrush, you can try primers such as Vallejo polyurethane airbrush primer or Mr. Hobby 1500, which is thinned with Mr Levelling Thinner. If you don't have an airbrush, you can try Tamiya FSP or Mr. Surfacer in a spray can.
Before priming, make sure to tape off all the areas that you don't want to be painted, such as glued areas that will be joined together after painting. Use masking tape designed for modelling, which is thin and adheres closely to the model's surface to prevent paint from getting underneath.
When priming, hold the can about 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) away from the model and spray in quick, even strokes until the entire model is covered. Allow the primer to dry before moving on to painting.
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Painting techniques
Preparation
Before you begin painting, it is crucial to prepare your workspace and materials. Set up outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, and cover your workspace with a pad to catch any paint splashes. Gather all the necessary tools, including paintbrushes, paint, primer, and masking tape. Choose synthetic sable or fox hair brushes specifically designed for painting plastic models, ensuring they are high-quality to avoid fraying during intricate brushwork.
Priming
Primer is essential for achieving a smooth and uniform finish on your plastic model. It helps the paint adhere better and can cover minor scratches and imperfections. Use an enamel-based primer for better adhesion to the plastic surface, and apply it with a brush or spray, depending on the model's material. Allow the primer to dry for at least 24 hours before gently sanding it with fine-grit sandpaper and water to create a smooth base for your paint.
Painting
When painting, always start with light colours and move towards darker shades. Paint in thin, even layers, allowing sufficient drying time between coats to avoid paint runs and ensure a seamless finish. Work in one direction with your brush to prevent visible brush marks. For intricate details, use smaller brushes to achieve precise results. If using spray paint, hold the can about 12 inches away from the model and apply light, consistent strokes.
Masking
Masking tape is essential for covering areas you don't want to paint, such as glued sections that will be joined later. Tamiya offers various widths of thin, flexible masking tape that adheres closely to the model's surface without leaving residue. This step ensures clean paint edges and helps achieve a professional-looking finish.
Detailing
To add realism to your model, consider using washes of diluted paint to simulate details such as dirt, dust, and rust. Tamiya offers Accent Colours in black, grey, and brown, with handy built-in brushes. Decals, such as logos and lettering, can also be applied to enhance the final aesthetic.
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Finishing touches
Once you have built and painted your plastic model, there are a few final steps to take to ensure it looks perfect and is protected for the long term. Firstly, if your model has decals, now is the time to apply them. Decals are essential for adding logos, graphics, and other intricate details to your model. Take your time with this step, as decals can be delicate to work with. Tamiya offers products to help you with this step, such as tweezers and Mark Fit, which aids in the application of decals.
Next, consider if your model would benefit from any weathering effects. Simulating dirt, dust, soot, or exhaust burn can add realism to your model, especially if it is a vehicle or aircraft. Tamiya offers a range of weathering products, including Weathering Master and Weathering Stick, as well as diorama texture paints and clays.
Finally, protect your model and ensure its longevity by applying a finishing coat. This could be a clear coat or a sealant that will shield the paint job from scratches, chips, and fading. Spray cans are a great option for applying an even finishing coat, and Tamiya offers a range of colours and finishes, including gloss, semi-gloss, and matte.
Additionally, if you plan to display your model, consider investing in a display case or cabinet to keep it safe from dust and damage. You can also enhance the presentation of your model with a diorama or a display base. Tamiya offers a range of diorama accessories, including terrain pieces and miniature figures, to create a unique and immersive display for your model.
With these final touches, your plastic model will not only look impressive but will also be protected for years to come.
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Frequently asked questions
Acrylic or enamel paint are the best options for painting plastic models. Acrylics are non-toxic, dry fast, and are suitable for hand-brushing, but they can leave brushstroke marks. Enamels can be toxic, so they must be used in well-ventilated areas, but they can achieve an airbrushed effect. Lacquer paints are also a good option as they dry quickly and can be layered with clear coats and varnish.
Smaller, high-quality synthetic brushes are ideal for painting plastic models as they are less likely to fray or split when making small brush strokes.
The brush and spray can methods are best for beginners. First, tape off any areas you do not want to paint. Then, test the paint application on a small area. Apply the first layer of paint, working with light colours first, and always paint in one direction. Allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next.
You can apply a clear coat over the entire surface of your model to protect it from dust and dirt and make the paint last longer. You can choose between a matte, satin, or glossy clear coat.
There are many online communities dedicated to the hobby of plastic model building and painting, such as r/modelmakers on Reddit, where people of all skill levels can swap tips and techniques and discuss the latest kits.
