When it comes to achieving a professional-looking finish on your Car Model Kit, the method of painting you choose can make all the difference. While brush painting might seem straightforward, opting for spray painting, even with inexpensive paints, will significantly elevate the quality of your model.
Why Spray Painting Outperforms Brush Painting for Model Cars
For enthusiasts dedicated to crafting realistic car model kits, the smoothness of the paint finish is paramount. No matter how skilled you are with a brush, achieving the same level of even, streak-free coverage as spray paint is exceptionally challenging. Brush strokes inevitably leave texture, and the paint application tends to be thicker and less uniform.
Spray paint, on the other hand, delivers a fine, even coat. This results in a much smoother surface that more closely resembles the factory finish of a real car. While brushes have their place in detailing smaller areas or touch-ups, for the main body and larger components of your car model kit, spray painting is undeniably the superior choice.
Preparation is Key: Parts Off the Sprue for Optimal Painting
A crucial step in preparing your car model kit for painting is to remove all parts from the sprue (the plastic frame holding the parts). Painting parts while they are still attached to the sprue is a common beginner mistake that compromises the final result.
Each part, once removed from the sprue, will have mold lines and a small nub where it was connected. These imperfections must be carefully cleaned and smoothed before any paint is applied. Taking the time to properly prepare each individual component of your car model kit ensures a flawless paint job and a more professional overall appearance. This pre-paint preparation is an essential step for any serious model builder looking to maximize the realism of their car model kit.
Utilizing Affordable Spray Paints for Variety and Detail
You don’t need to invest in expensive hobby-specific spray paints to achieve excellent results on your car model kit. Readily available and budget-friendly spray paints from general stores work surprisingly well. In fact, using a variety of these inexpensive paints can be advantageous.
Consider purchasing several shades of flat black and gray primer. These seemingly basic colors offer a surprising range of tones that can be used to add depth and visual interest to various parts of your car model kit, such as interiors or undercarriage details. Experimenting with different shades of gray, for example, can create subtle variations that enhance the realism and complexity of your model.
Techniques for Spray Painting Small Model Parts
Painting small, individual parts of a car model kit can be tricky. Holding them steady while applying spray paint requires a bit of ingenuity. Two effective methods involve using styrofoam blocks and masking tape, or toothpicks.
For the tape method, simply take a piece of masking tape and create a loop, sticky side out, on a styrofoam block (the kind often found as packing material). Then, gently press your small parts onto the tape. This secures them for painting and allows you to easily paint one side, let it dry, and then reposition them to paint the other side.
Alternatively, for even smaller parts, you can use toothpicks. Attach the part to the end of a toothpick with a tiny dab of glue or by carefully inserting the toothpick into a pre-existing hole, or even drilling a small, inconspicuous hole. Then, stick the toothpicks into the styrofoam block. This “toothpick method” provides excellent control and keeps even the tiniest pieces secure during spray painting, ensuring a clean and professional finish for every component of your car model kit.
By embracing spray painting techniques and proper preparation, you can significantly enhance the appearance of your car model kit, achieving a smooth, professional finish that brush painting simply cannot replicate.
