Painting with acrylics

[David Lewis]

That definitely sounds like a technique worth trying -- and I'll keep track of the weight at each stage to see which process adds what amount of weight as I go.

[davidchoate]

David, I pulled up this thread again because I am doing my first display model, and will be using acrylics, so I wanted to re-read your post. one thing I'd like to ask is what technique do you prefer for outlining the flaps and aeleron markings? It suggests on the plan to use thin strips of black paper, or tissue. this actually sounds like a good idea,but I wanted to know your method. And where can I get a copy of those helicopter plans? I know this old lady who would be very happy if I could make her a helicopter. And for some reason I just can't get into the whole plastic model scene. Thanks again for all your help; hionestly if not for your posts it would've taken me years to get a good finishing technique figured out.
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[davidchoate]

David, I began experimenting with acrylic paint. I notice it is somewhat thick. is it supposed to be thinned with water? or to be mixed and applied at full strenght?

[davidchoate]

Thank you David. you helped much. At this moment I am trying different underlayment( did I usethe right word) colors, to see how they affect the colors. I'll keep you posted as to what i learn today. Thanks again.

[davidchoate]

All I have left on my P-40 is assembly of the canopy, and th decals. my painting is done.I followed this method as closely as possible. I did a couple things different. I used a drywall primer undercoat (light gey), and I bought a premixed color acrylic paints ( I didnt have alot of paint to experiment with). Other than that I followed construction and painting to the letter.If you don't have ALOT of patience I would'nt recommend it. I prefer to build models to fly, but admired David Ducket's work so much I figured that by copying him I could learn a thing or two, and I did. I probably won't do another display model for awhile, but parts of this method I will surely use from now on in all my builds. One thing I had trouble with was I never found a masking tape (Itried three types) that did'nt soak up the paint and leave a nasty looking line. It took me about a month. maybe 80hrs. total. I kindof lost track. Like I lost track of how many coats of filler and paint I did. But David was right; at first coat or two you think something is'nt right, but then the lustre of the paint start to show as it dries ( I guess 3 or 4 coats) and it's just incredible. The weight gain is horrendous, but I don't have to worry about it.Once I figure how to download from photobucket I'll post my success. I do have my build on another forum, but no painted photos put on yet. I would like to see how this paint looks if airbrushed. If anyone has done it I would'nt mind seeing the pictures?

[davidchoate]

I had that problem with the plastic. I did'nt dope the cowl because I was'nt sure if it would soften the plastic or not. The primer stuck to it though. And the paint also does'nt like to stick to any CA glue spots. And maybe I did'nt seal the tape good enough. I was worried about peeling off the paint with the tape. How long does it take this paint to totally cure? I've been wearing latex gloves because it seems to take figerprints and stuff to it very easily while I'm doing the canopy and decals. Also I got a crappy fitting cowl so don't take away points when you finally see it. I can't believe I got it to look as good as it does. The texture of the paint is so cool. It kinda reminds me of a wedding cake or something. I almost want to take a bite.

[davidchoate]

Good cartoon paintings. And clever jokes too. Have you ever painted your own "Nose Cowl Art?"

[davidchoate]

where can u get the decals? and is tour B-29 build on virtual aerodrome?

[davidchoate]

ok. I got the outline pen. .1" I also got some flat clear acrylic in a jar,flat base acrylic in a jar, andclear gloss acrylic in jar.

[davidchoate]

you can see my P-40 on the Guillows G challenge group site

[davidchoate]

my P-40

[davidchoate]

i added a clear acrylic gloss.

[davidchoate]

i'm glad they let me post this pic . But I got many clearer ones. I basically had to beg D. Barker to let me post this.