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[Southern Sailor]

Good day all.  With a view to tackling a "plastic magic" project of my own, I have been pondering how to paint the hundreds of fittings on a large plastic model boat kit.  I seem to remember someone saying that it is easiest to paint the fittings while they are still attached to the branch.  If you do that, how does the paint affect the spigot that secures the part on to the boat?  Any comments? Brian 

[Tug-Kenny RIP]

You are correct to be concerned.
Some of the items on the tree will be connected to the edges and if painted before cutting off will leave a bare mark.

The only way is to remove them from the tree and smooth, if necessary, the edges before painting them.

Cheers

ken

[essex2visuvesi]

I normally paint on the sprue and then touch up once fitted


Couple of useful tips:-
* carefully wash the sprues in a warm soapy and then rise with clear water and allow to dry thoroughly
* if possible remove the Chrome on any Chromed parts where they will be glues to another part. (personally I hate chromed parts and generally strip the chrome by spraying with mr muscle oven cleaner and leaving in a plastic bag to soak.  then wash as above)
* I normally lightly spray the sprues with a plastic primer before painting
* test fit parts before gluing
* Remove paint from any parts that will be glues to another part (as per chromed parts)


Hope this helps

[Southern Sailor]

Thanks so much for your reponses Gentlemen.  I luckily have no chromed parts.  I will be doing most of the painting by airbrush, except where not possible of course.  Not having any experience, why is a primer necessary on plastic parts?  I presume that using a primer gives the paint a more even look.  Happy sailing!  Brian

[Tug-Kenny RIP]

The primer is a help to adhesion.  Without it, I've know a whole sheet of sprayed colour to peel off like sticky tape.   


ken

[malcolmfrary]

The primer is a help to adhesion.  Without it, I've know a whole sheet of sprayed colour to peel off like sticky tape.   


ken

The extra layer of colour also helps stop light shining through the parts, making them look more solid.

[Southern Sailor]

Ah, the power of pooled resources!  Primer it is then.  Thanks.  Brian

[essex2visuvesi]

as for primers, this one is pretty good for airbrushing
http://www.wonderlandmodels.com/products/revell-color-basic-acrylic-25ml/


or Tamiya white surface primer in a rattle can
automotive plastic primer works well too and works out cheaper