Omar Khalid
Whether to paint a plastic model before or after assembling has been a long-standing question in the model-making community. There are pros and cons to both approaches, and the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference, the specific project, and how you want to display it. Some model makers prefer to build as much of the kit as possible before painting to avoid blindly assembling everything and then discovering areas that are difficult or impossible to paint. Others prefer to paint when the model is disassembled, even if it means wasting paint on unseen parts, as they dislike painting tiny crevices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pros and cons to both approaches | Yes |
| Depends on | Personal preference, the specific project, the type of model |
| Painting before assembling | May waste paint on unseen parts, may be difficult to paint tiny crevices |
| Painting after assembling | May be difficult or impossible to paint some areas, may be difficult to fill gaps and remove mold lines |
| Priming | Recommended for some types of plastic to help paint hold better |
| Painting method | Airbrush gun, brush, spray can |
| Painting location | Outdoors, a workshop or hobby room with good ventilation |
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What You'll Learn
It's a personal choice and depends on the model type
Whether to paint a plastic model before or after assembling is a question that has haunted model builders for generations. Ultimately, the decision depends on personal preference, the specific model type, and how you plan to display it.
Some model builders prefer to build as much of the kit as possible before painting, allowing them to identify areas that may be difficult or impossible to paint after assembly. This approach helps determine which parts to paint first and which to build first, requiring experience and an understanding of the kit. For example, a tank's hull and turret can be built and painted separately from the wheels and tracks. Similarly, when building a car model, it is advisable to paint the interior, mask it, then assemble and paint the body, leaving the wheels for later.
On the other hand, some builders may prefer to paint when the model is disassembled to avoid painting tiny crevices, even if it means wasting paint on unseen parts. Painting before assembly also allows for filling gaps, removing mold lines, and addressing other imperfections after painting.
Additionally, the type of model can influence the decision. For instance, planes often require gluing most parts together before painting, while tanks and cars may have more flexibility in the order of assembly and painting.
Regardless of the approach, it is important to use the appropriate tools and techniques to ensure a professional paint job that makes your model realistic.
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Painting before assembling can ruin the final appearance
Painting a plastic model before assembling can ruin the final appearance in several ways. Firstly, painting all parts separately can lead to paint wastage on unseen areas. Secondly, gluing painted parts together can be challenging as the glue or cement can react with the paint, causing it to lift off. The glue can also leave a residue that is difficult to remove, affecting the overall appearance of the model.
To avoid these issues, it is recommended to build as much of the kit as possible before painting. This allows you to identify areas that may be difficult or impossible to paint after assembly. For example, when building a tank, you can assemble and paint the hull and turret separately, leaving the wheels and tracks unpainted until after assembly. Similarly, for a car model, you can paint the interior, mask it, then assemble and paint the body, leaving the wheels for later.
The type of model and specific kit also play a role in determining the painting approach. For instance, plane models often require gluing before painting, focusing first on the cabin, then gluing and painting the rest of the plane before adding small pieces like the landing gear.
Additionally, the choice of paint and primer is crucial. While primer helps the paint adhere better to the model, it can fill in intricate details and make the model thicker. Therefore, it is recommended to use primer only when necessary, such as when working with multiple materials or if the model will be handled regularly. When using primer, tape off the glued areas to ensure a smooth finish.
In conclusion, while painting a plastic model before assembling can be a personal preference, it is essential to consider the potential drawbacks to avoid ruining the final appearance. Building as much of the kit as possible before painting and carefully planning the painting process can help ensure a satisfactory outcome.
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Gluing painted parts can be tricky and ruin the paint job
Gluing painted parts can be tricky and may ruin the paint job. The type of glue used is an important consideration when gluing painted plastic parts. Plastic glue, for instance, is a chemical solvent that reacts with and fuses plastic, not paint. As a result, it will dissolve paint, causing it to bubble up and appear unsightly. Even if you scrape the joint clean, any stray glue that comes into contact with the paint will cause it to become sludge.
To avoid ruining your paint job, it is recommended to use super glue instead of plastic glue when gluing painted parts. Super glue is a strong adhesive that does not interact with the material it is applied to, making it safe to use on almost any surface. However, even when using super glue, it is advisable to scrape the paint off the joint before gluing. This is because the strength of the bond will depend solely on the strength of the paint rather than the glue if the glued area is left unpainted.
The decision to paint before or after assembly depends on the type of model and personal preference. For example, when building a tank model, it is recommended to build the hull and turret first, leaving the wheels and tracks unassembled so they can be painted separately. On the other hand, plane models are often glued together before painting, with the cabin being the focus of the initial painting and gluing process.
Additionally, it is essential to prepare the plastic model properly before painting. This includes removing dirt and dust from the model with a soft cloth, using a primer to improve paint adhesion, and choosing the appropriate painting method for the desired level of precision and detail.
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Priming is recommended for better paint adhesion
Whether to paint a plastic model before or after assembling has been a long-standing question in the model-making community. While the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific project, priming is recommended for better paint adhesion.
Priming plastic models is generally recommended to achieve the best results. Without priming, the paint may not adhere well to the plastic surface, leading to poor adhesion and potential paint chipping or flaking. Primers are specifically designed for adhesion and provide a better base for subsequent layers of paint. Lacquer primers, for example, dry quickly and provide excellent adhesion but require proper ventilation due to strong fumes.
To ensure better paint adhesion and a more durable finish, different types of primers can be used on different parts of the model. This allows for a smoother finish and enhanced durability. It is important to select a primer specifically designed for use on plastic surfaces. For instance, the Tamiya Surface Primer is a good option for polystyrene kits, while Rustoleum Painters Touch provides good adhesion for plastics and other surfaces.
Before applying primer, it is crucial to properly prepare the plastic surface by cleaning it with a mild detergent or a specialized plastic cleaner to remove any dust, dirt, or oils that might hinder adhesion. One technique for applying primer is to use thin layers, gradually building up coverage. Another method is to apply a mist coat, which is a light, even layer that provides a smooth base for subsequent paint layers.
By priming plastic models, model makers can achieve professional-looking results and ensure the longevity of their creations. It is an essential step for those seeking a flawless finish with enhanced color vibrancy and smooth surface texture.
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Paint outdoors or in a well-ventilated area
Painting plastic model kits is a fun hobby with a passionate community. However, it's important to be cautious when painting with substances like paint, thinner, glue, and cement. These substances can be harmful if inhaled, causing dizziness and other side effects. Therefore, it is important to paint in a well-ventilated area or outdoors.
When painting outdoors, choose a dry day and set up your workspace in a protected area, like under a patio awning. This will shield your workspace from wind or rain, which could disturb your painting. If you are unable to paint outdoors, find a well-ventilated room in your home, such as a room with open windows, and avoid painting in an enclosed space. Additionally, avoid eating or drinking in the area to prevent accidental ingestion of paint or other substances.
Before painting, it is crucial to understand the type of model you are working with and the specific kit. This will help you determine whether to build first or paint first. For example, with a tank model, you might build the hull and turret, leaving the wheels and tracks to be painted separately. On the other hand, for a plane model, you would need to glue most parts before painting.
Regardless of your approach, always exercise caution when working with potentially harmful substances.
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Frequently asked questions
There are pros and cons to both approaches, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific project. Some model builders prefer to build as much of the kit as possible before painting, while others prefer to paint when the model is disassembled.
Painting before assembling can help you avoid blindly building everything at once, only to discover that some areas of the model are difficult or impossible to paint. It can also be a more precise way of painting, as you can focus on each individual part.
Painting before assembling can waste paint on unseen parts and can be more time-consuming. Additionally, if you're not careful, the glue or cement can react with the paint and cause it to lift off, or leave a residue that's hard to remove.
Yes, it's important to prepare your workspace and materials beforehand. Remove dirt and dust from the model with a soft cloth, and use a paint rack to store and dry painted parts. Primer is also recommended for some types of plastic to help the paint hold better.
