The Art of Automotive Model FinishesThe Art of Automotive Model Finishes

by Darryl W. Peters, Ph.D.2010 IPMS Nationals

doctordwp@gmail.com

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Please print your e-mail address on the sign in sheet to request an electronic copy of this presentation in PDF formatFeel free to send me an e-mail requesting a copy at doctordwp@gmail.com

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Personal BackgroundPersonal Background

B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in ChemistrySenior executive/owner of a high-tech company serving the semiconductor industryGearhead from the age of 2Model builder for more than 50 yearsActive member of Delaware Valley Scale Modelers (www.dvsm.org), Philadelphia Area Car Modelers (www.pacms.org), Silent Traffic model car club (Trappe, PA), and Herb’s Hobby Shop model club (Doylestown, PA)I do not build to compete but have won more than 150 awards from model contests in the past 13 years

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Modeling RoomModeling Room

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Finish is extremely important for automotive subjects2010 IPMS National Convention, Phoenix, AZ 5

OutlineOutline

BasicsPrimersPaint types and thinnersThinning ratios for various paintsAirbrush settingsPainting procedurePainting tipsWater slide decalsExamples of model finishesQuestions

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Basics (References)Basics (References)

“The Art of Airbrushing Show Quality Model Cars”, DVD by Don Yost (Lone Wolf Custom Painting)“Scale Automotive Finishes”, by Pat Covert, Kalmbach Books (1997)“Custom Car Modeling”, by Mark Gustavson, Kalmbach Books (1999)Scale Auto and Model Cars magazine articles

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Basics (Safety)Basics (Safety)

Know your solvents!2010 IPMS National Convention, Phoenix, AZ 8

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Basics (PPE)Basics (PPE)

Make sure respirator fits properly

Use particulate and organic filter canisters

Wear protective clothes and gloves

Basics (Equipment)Basics (Equipment)

Air source

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Basics (Equipment)Basics (Equipment)

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Basics (Supplies)Basics (Supplies)

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Basics (Supplies)Basics (Supplies)

Basics (Supplies)Basics (Supplies)

Clear coat tac rag

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Basics (Supplies)Basics (Supplies)

White styrene spoon Test painting to check coverage/runs

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Basics (Supplies)Basics (Supplies)

Stripper for paint

Stripper for paint and kit “chrome”

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Basics (Supplies)Basics (Supplies)

Polishing kit

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Basics (Supplies)Basics (Supplies)

Final rub-out and polish

Additional materials for rub-out

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Basics (Supplies)Basics (Supplies)

Final cleaning materials

Primers/SealersPrimers/Sealers

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Thinners (Types)Thinners (Types)

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Paint (Types)Paint (Types)

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Paint (Types)Paint (Types)

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Paints (Clear Coat)Paints (Clear Coat)

Match type and brand of clear coat to the base coat

HOK with HOK, Tamiya with Tamiya, etc.Enamel with enamel, lacquer with lacquer, polyurethane with polyurethane, etc.Using a clear coat from a different manufacturer with a different solvent system can cause incompatibilities

• Crazing, lifting, checking, cracking, etc.

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Airbrushing Spray PaintsAirbrushing Spray Paints

Remove paint from spray can

De-gas paint

20-30% of volume is dissolved propellant

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Thinning Ratios (P:T)Thinning Ratios (P:T)

Bottle enamel (1:1 with Duplicolor)KS10 HOK sealer (KS10(4):Ru310(4):Ku150(1))HOK solid colors (1:2 with Mar-Hyde)HOK candy/clear lacquer (1:4 with Mar-Hyde)Testor’s/MM spray enamel (3:1 with Duplicolor)Testor’s/MM spray lacquer (3:1 with Duplicolor)Tamiya spray lacquer (3:1 with Duplicolor)Dupont acrylic enamel (4:8:1(hardner))

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Aztek Airbrush SettingsAztek Airbrush Settings

Air reservoir/compressor (120-150psi)Primary regulator (60psi)Secondary regulator w/moisture trap (20-30psi)Single-action mode1mm nozzle (yellow)

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Painting ProcedurePainting ProcedureSpray can primer (2-4 coats w/wet sanding)Dry 2 days to 2 weeksSealer, if necessary (1 coat, no sanding)Dry 3 hoursColor or base coat (2-4 coats w/wet sanding)Dry 2 days to 2 weeksClear or candy coat (2-4 coats w/wet sanding)Dry 2 days to 2 weeksApply decals with setting solutionAllow decals to dry for 2 daysWash model to remove decal glue and setting solution and then dryApply clear coat over decalsApply straight thinner after last clear coatDry 2 days to 2 weeksWet sand with 6000- to 12000-grit polishing clothesPolish with Novus #2 or Meguiar’s Scratch XBuff with Turtle Wax Clear Coat or Meguiar’s Cleaner WaxFinal clean with Novus #1 or Kleenmaster Brillianize

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Painting TipsPainting Tips

Two tone paint jobs/graphics/flames/etc.Allow first color to dry thoroughly (lightest color)Mask first colorAirbrush a coat of clear to seal the masking edgesAllow the clear to dry to the touch before airbrushing the second colorAllow second color to dry to the touch before removing maskingPull masking at a 120-150° angle to keep a sharp edge

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Water Slide DecalsWater Slide Decals

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Decal SuppliesDecal Supplies

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Decal SuppliesDecal Supplies

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Decal EquipmentDecal Equipment

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DecalsDecals

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Decaling TipsDecaling Tips

Apply decals on a gloss surface to prevent trapped air or “silvering”Cut decals close to the image to minimize carrier filmUse warm water to release the decal from the backing paperUse a pair of tweezers and a soft brush to position the decalBlot the decal with a lint-free cloth to help it setTest decal setting solution before using; use sparingly Allow decals to air dry for 1-2 daysWash the model with dish soap and warm water to remove decal glueApply 1-2 clear coats to protect the decals

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Decaling ExamplesDecaling Examples

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Thanks for Your Attention!

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Questions?

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