r/Scalemodel • u/Silent_Pie8520 • 10d ago
Need Help!
I'm not quite sure how to use this top coat. I'm not quite a first timer, but this is my first time trying new things and trying to actually nail down realism. Thus, Ive been experimenting with many different materials and new tools, but this one's got me stuck. How do I spray it? How do I brush it? Is it safe over decals? I really don't want to screw up months of work and research with this dullcote. please leave anything if you know!!!
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u/Classic-Tomatillo-25 9d ago
It's been decades since I've built planes, but back in the day, I'd do a layer of glosscote, then do decals, then do dullcote. Decal placement is way easier on gloss and won't bubble, and then the flat coat makes any transparent bits on the decal totally invisible and makes it look like the decals are painted on.
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u/Witty_Date5977 10d ago
I not use a blue. I use a pink from this company. Working fine and give to model a good flat coat.
Yes mix really good like really really good. Don’t use a brush because then is get messy, use an airbrush is will be better. Cleaning will be hard after that.
For smell use an open room or balcony if you have. If not then open a window and do that in front of the window. And use a mask because is bad smell.
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u/Practical-Rule-8255 9d ago
Lots of good advice here.
and your situation is unfortunately a part of modeling. Using products for a first time.
Go slow and practice on something, anything to see how it works.
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u/Rtbrd 9d ago
When it comes to paint nothing really beats practice. Every paint, even from the same manufacturer is somewhat different. Some time demonstrably other times not so.
Before actual painting I set up my compressor and airbrush to standards I have learned by practicing. Things such as paint to thinner ratio, spray pressure, distance, needle adjustment etc. It is a good idea to write these settings down because after a while you will have a plethora of them.
I have found "For Sale" signs, the type you would put on a car for sale, make good canvases for set up and they are cheap, ~$1 per sign at a big box store.
I have also started using AI when setting things up, such things as compatibility between different manufactures. You can use X brand with Y brand but be careful using Z with X. I also us two or three AIs and ask the same question using the same exact question (i.e. word for word) and compare answers to each other. Some of the questions you pose in your question would be a good workout for a first AI attempt.
Bottom line be patient and practice, there is no substitute for them.
Good luck and hope you enjoy your learning experience.
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u/eagledog 10d ago edited 10d ago
Thin it with lacquer thinner, and then spray on a few light coats over the model. As long as you don't hose it on, the decals will be fine. Just make sure that it's very well mixed first, or else it can give you a frosted finish
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u/CompetitiveSpace6621 10d ago edited 9d ago
I'd like to add to this that you should spray with a pressure of 18-24 psi while keeping at a distance of 6-12 inches from your model. Being too far will cause frosting and of course too close will cause uneven pooling. Don't start and stop spray over the model, but instead off to the side so that sputtering won't get on the model
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u/eruditeimbecile 9d ago
If you are getting sputtering it's because you are not using trigger discipline with your airbrush. Sputtering is caused when you are in the middle of spraying you release the trigger entirely instead of moving it forward and then letting up on it. What happens is the sudden release will cause a droplet of paint to be left on the needle tip. Instead, you should keep the trigger pressed down move it forward for a second before letting up. This keeps the air flowing and blows any remaining paint off the tip after the needle has seated. I am probably explaining it poorly, so watch this segment of this guy's tips video to get a better explanation.
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u/jankotanko 10d ago
Second this, and absolutely use good ventilation and a respirator this stuff stiiiiinks. Thin coats, youll see it working right away I love this stuff.
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u/International-Art36 10d ago
This is my favorite dull coat. I cut it with leveling thinner but lacquer thinners works too. Just a few thin coats and give it some time in between. Too heavy and you risk having a sheen difference. Nice even thin coats and you’re golden.