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First model in 35 years

MarcusK

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Marcus
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Hi

On my 50th birthday (end of last year) I bought a Tamiya static model to build, something I haven’t done since I was 15 years old. The box sat looking at me for a few months, but this Easter hols I decided to make a start and the below are my results…

I read a LOT about different techniques, ways of painting, orders, clear costs, varnish, decals etc. and while it has all gone in and 100% will be trying all these ways, I thought for my first one I’d just stick to what I know, see how it goes, then try the other techniques on the next model.

So, here we are. I primed and painted most parts before assembly, which I found easier to get into the detail. I weathered it as I went and mainly scratched the paint off to reveal the primer for paint scratches with orange and black for grime, rust and dirt. I didn’t put any clear costs between layers and seemed to work for me but will try the other ways next time around.

All opinions are good opinions!

Cheers

Marcus
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Cool, I'd be well happy with that, mate especially if its your first model for many, many years!

NB: You can add photos directly to the site here, makes it easier for others to see the photos.
Just use the attach files option at the bottom of the message area.

Looks a tiny bit shiny in the photos (might be the flash?), but if so, a final matt varnish coat would knock it back a bit and make it look less shiny.
I always used to end up with shiny models on my first few, Lol.
 
Thread owner
Cool, I'd be well happy with that, mate especially if its your first model for many, many years!

NB: You can add photos directly to the site here, makes it easier for others to see the photos.
Just use the attach files option at the bottom of the message area.

Looks a tiny bit shiny in the photos (might be the flash?), but if so, a final matt varnish coat would knock it back a bit and make it look less shiny.
I always used to end up with shiny models on my first few, Lol.
Nice one thanks Peter. Yeah, good shout on the matt coat, will give this one a coat and see.
Hmm. I did attach the photos as per the button and had the choice of thumbnail or image. Think I may be missing something :giggle:
 
If you put decals straight on the paint, without a gloss coat, they can "silver" or not adhere as well, so putting a gloss coat where the decals go helps with that. If you don't seal the decals afterwards they can come off via rubbing, etc. So then a final varnish coat, usually matt, helps to seal everything in/on.
Been here 18 months ish and still learning all the time myself....Cheers
 
Thread owner
If you put decals straight on the paint, without a gloss coat, they can "silver" or not adhere as well, so putting a gloss coat where the decals go helps with that. If you don't seal the decals afterwards they can come off via rubbing, etc. So then a final varnish coat, usually matt, helps to seal everything in/on.
Been here 18 months ish and still learning all the time myself....Cheers
Cool, thanks! Trying to decide what to do next to test out these ways of doing it
 
Plus putting a gloss coat on after painting, helps to seal the paint before any weathering, eg: washes, panel lines, etc are applied, as often these are enamel, whereas usually paint is acrylic, so need to be aware of that too, chemical reactions, etc! Lol, lots to remember....
 
For a first model I think you have done a great job Marcus. You certainly didn't hold back on having a good go at some weathering. I look forward to your future projects.
 
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