Chloe Zhang
Painting plastic models with acrylic paint is a popular choice for model enthusiasts and is highly recommended for beginners. However, it is important to note that acrylic paint has unique characteristics and is not always the right choice. When painting plastic models with acrylic paint, specific steps should be followed for optimal results. Firstly, it is crucial to work in a well-ventilated area and prepare your workspace by covering the floor with a pad to catch any paint splashes. Next, remove dirt and dust from the model using a soft cloth. Then, tape off the areas you do not want to paint using masking tape. Before applying acrylic paint, it is essential to use a sealing base coat or primer to ensure better adhesion and prevent moisture absorption. Stir the paint well, and test the shade before starting. Always start with light colours, followed by dark tones, and finally, metallic colours. Use a thin brush for a slow and even application, ensuring you follow the direction of the brush strokes. Acrylic paint dries quickly, so it is important to work efficiently and clean brushes promptly with soap and water.
Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint type | Acrylic paint |
| Paint surface | Plastic models |
| Paint consistency | Thin with acrylic medium and water |
| Paint application | Brushes or airbrushes |
| Paint storage | Under a lid for up to 24 hours |
| Paint removal | Soap and water |
| Paint adhesion | Use primer or undercoat |
| Paint finish | Gloss or matte |
| Paint location | Outdoors or in a well-ventilated area |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing your workspace
Firstly, decide where you will be painting. It is recommended to paint outdoors, in a space with good ventilation, such as a garden, terrace, or hobby room. Ensure you have enough space to work comfortably and safely. Prepare a pad or drop cloth to place on the floor to catch any paint splashes and protect the surface from stains.
Next, gather all the materials you will need, including your paints, brushes, thinner, primer, and the model itself. If you are using artist acrylics, ensure you have the appropriate thinner, as regular water will not work as well. You will also need a palette for mixing your paints and a container for your thinner.
Before you begin painting, it is important to clean your model to remove any dirt or dust. Use a soft cloth to gently wipe down the surface of the model, ensuring it is free of any debris that may interfere with the paint application.
Additionally, if you are using artist acrylics, consider priming your model first. Primer will help the paint adhere better to the smooth plastic surface. Tape off any areas you do not want to paint with masking tape, and then apply a thin layer of primer, following the instructions on the product. Allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding.
Finally, plan the order of your painting. Determine which parts of the model you want to start with and the sequence of colours you will be using. This will help ensure a smooth and efficient painting process.
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Choosing the right paint
Acrylic paint is the standard preferred choice for most model enthusiasts and is highly recommended for beginners. It is easy to use with brushes or airbrushes and is fast-drying. However, it may not be the right choice for all models, and in some cases, oil paint is better.
When choosing the right paint for your plastic model, you should consider the following:
- Object handling: If your model will be touched often, it is recommended to use enamel or oil paint. Acrylic paint will need special sealers to allow for repeated handling.
- Object airflow: Acrylic paint works best on porous materials where air passes freely through the object. If using acrylic paint on non-porous materials like plastic, it will only work if applied between a sealing base coat and a top coat.
- Drying time: Oil paints take longer to dry, allowing more time to adjust the coat. Acrylic paints dry quickly, so you have about an hour to work with them before they are completely dry.
- Surface: Artist acrylics have thicker pigments and more volume, and they sometimes contain fillers. As a result, they need to be thinned a lot and applied in many thin layers to avoid obscuring details. Craft paints are not always rated for pigment content or lightfastness.
- Finish: Gloss mediums will give your piece a shiny look, while matte varieties will mute the finish.
It is also important to note that the solvent base in lacquers might reactivate the layers of acrylic and enamel paints, causing the layers to merge or seep into one another. Therefore, it is advised to first test the new layer on a small portion before fully applying the new paint. Additionally, using the correct thinners for each type of paint is crucial, and Tamiya offers a variety of thinners suitable for different paint types.
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Priming the model
Priming is an important step in preparing your plastic model for painting with acrylics. It helps the paint adhere to the plastic surface and creates a more durable finish. Here's a step-by-step guide to priming your plastic model:
Cleaning the Model:
Before priming, it's essential to clean the plastic surface thoroughly. Use a mild soap or isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to remove any oils, fingerprints, mould release agents, or other contaminants. Ensure that you reach all the crevices and corners of the model, and there are no leftover residues or pockets of liquid. You can use an air compressor to blow out any hard-to-reach areas. Let the model air dry completely before proceeding.
Smoothing the Surface:
To enhance paint adhesion, you can lightly sand the plastic surface with fine-grit sandpaper or a nail file. This step is especially important if the plastic has a shiny or smooth finish. Sanding creates a slightly rough texture, providing a better surface for the primer and paint to grip onto. Be gentle and avoid over-sanding, as you only need to create a subtle tooth on the surface.
Choosing the Right Primer:
Select a primer specifically designed for use on plastic surfaces, such as PLASTICOAT automotive primer, which is suitable for a variety of plastic models. This primer is available in a rattle can and can be sprayed on easily. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations for the best results.
Applying the Primer:
When applying the primer, use several light coats rather than a single heavy coat. Spray the primer in thin, even layers, ensuring complete coverage of the model. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next. You can lightly buff the primer with a cloth between coats to maintain surface definition and check for any missed spots.
Drying and Inspection:
Once you've applied the desired number of primer coats, let it dry completely. Inspect the primed model for any imperfections, thin spots, or areas that may require additional primer. If necessary, apply another light coat to ensure a consistent and complete primer layer.
After priming, your plastic model is now ready for the application of acrylic paint. Remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the paint you've chosen and apply thin, even coats for the best results. Enjoy bringing your creation to life with colour!
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Painting techniques
However, when using acrylic paints on nonporous materials like plastic, specific techniques must be applied. Firstly, it is important to prepare your workspace. This includes putting a pad on the floor to avoid paint splashes and gathering all the necessary materials. Before painting, remove any dirt and dust from the model with a soft cloth. Then, tape off all the areas that you do not want to paint using masking tape.
Next, you need to prepare the paint. Start by stirring the paint well for about a minute to achieve an optimal consistency. Then, draw 2-3 test strokes to test the shade. After that, thin the paint with an acrylic medium and water to achieve the correct consistency for application. It is important to note that the ratio of paint to thinner must be carefully mixed.
When the paint is ready, you can start painting. Choose the right brush for the thickness of the paint and the painting task. Start with light colours, then move to dark tones, and finally, apply metallic colours. Paint slowly and evenly over the model part with the brush.
After painting, always wash your brushes with soap and water or a soap-based brush cleaner. Use your fingers to reshape the brush and leave it to dry standing upright.
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Storing and cleaning brushes
When it comes to storing and cleaning brushes used for painting plastic models with acrylic paint, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, the type of bristles you choose will depend on the paint you're using. For acrylic paints, synthetic brushes are generally recommended over natural bristle brushes, as acrylics can damage the delicate natural animal hairs. Synthetic brushes made of nylon or polyester are more affordable and versatile, working well with various types of paint.
Cleaning your brushes promptly after use is crucial, especially with acrylic paint, as it dries quickly and can ruin your brushes if left unattended. Here are some detailed steps to clean your brushes effectively:
- Wipe Excess Paint: Before rinsing, use scrap paper, paper towels, old rags, or a palette to wipe off as much paint as possible from the brush. This step is essential to limit the amount of paint going down the drain and to prevent clogging.
- Rinse with Water: Prepare multiple jars or buckets of clean, tepid to hot water. Rinse the brushes thoroughly in the water, swishing and gently squeezing the bristles to remove paint residue.
- Use Soap or Cleaner: For brushes with dried-on paint, a solvent-based cleaner or alcohol may be necessary to loosen the paint. You can also use a mild soap specifically designed for brushes, such as The Masters Brush Cleaner, Escoda Brush and Hand Soap, or a simple dish soap. Be careful not to use too much soap, and avoid abrasive scrubbing to protect the bristles.
- Final Rinse and Dry: After cleaning, give your brushes a final rinse in clean water and lay them flat to dry completely.
In terms of storage, if you plan on reusing your brushes within a few days, you can wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. For longer-term storage, ensure your brushes are clean and completely dry. Hang them or lay them flat, wrapped in their protective material, until you're ready to use them again. Proper cleaning and storage techniques will help extend the lifespan of your brushes, saving you money and ensuring they remain in good condition for future painting projects.
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Frequently asked questions
Acrylic modelling paint is the standard preferred choice for model enthusiasts and is the most highly recommended paint for beginners. Artist acrylics are not recommended for use on plastic models as they have thicker pigments, more volume, and sometimes fillers.
If you are using an airbrush, thin the acrylic mixture with acrylic medium and water to achieve the correct consistency. If you are using brushes, choose the right brush for your painting task and the thickness of the paint.
Tape off all the areas that you do not want to paint. Remove dirt and dust from the model with a soft cloth.
Stir the first colour well for 1 minute, so that this gets an optimal consistency. Now draw 2 to 3 test strokes to test the shade. Use a brush with a thickness of 0.2 to 0.4 mm for the application of colour. You always start with light colours, then dark tones, and finally metallic colours. Paint slowly and evenly over the model part with the brush.
On plastics, acrylic paint will only work if applied between a sealing base coat and a top coat. You will also need to use the correct thinners for each type of paint.
