The Rules of Paint.
Often I receive compliments on the paint jobs displayed by my custom painted models. Paint and decals are the most important of all the super-detail elements we invest in our models. Without a quality paint job, much of the effort we put into the details of our locomotives, rolling stock, and layout will be overlooked.
I was very fortunate to have Lenny DiMartino as my painting mentor long-ago. He taught me the following very simple "Rules of Paint" that are easy to follow and yield high-quality results:
1 - Have Patience!
Never rush the steps. Take the time to prep and execute all of the steps. If you are not sure if the paint is dry, let it sit!
2 - Safety First.
Paint vapor can be very harmful if inhaled. When spraying oil-based paints ensure that there is an exhaust airflow to take paint overspray away from you as you paint. Not all of us can have professional spray booths with built-in ventilation systems. Strategic placement of simple fans can achieve the same effect. Never compromise on ensuring there is adequate ventilation. Use of a quality respirator is also encouraged. And finally no airbrushing indoors, ever!
3 - Wash Your Models.
Models tend to receive significant handling during the detailing and paint preparation processes. This can contaminate the model surface with dust, oils, and other debris that may compromise the adhesive properties of the paint. A simple soaking in water (not too warm as plastic warps) with dish soap followed by scrubbing with a toothbrush and a thorough rinsing will do the trick.
4 - Manage Your Workspace.
Consider the airflow you have designed with your provisions for ventilation. Make sure that all pieces being painted are not put to rest in this flow. Make sure you have room for everything and it is all within reach. Understand how you will rotate or otherwise maneuver your model during painting before you start painting. Have cleaning supplies on hand.
5 - Keep Your Environment Quiet.
Use a compressor to fill an air tank, do not paint with the compressor as the direct air source. This allows you to hear the paint hit the model. Do this enough and the sound will aid you. If the airbrush is too far away from the model, the paint will dry before it hits the model and this will sound different.
6 - Always Primer Your Model.
Even with an undecorated model, primer with a neutral color first. This will ensure uniform color and texture on the finished product and will also hi-lite any surface irregularities that may need correction before the final coat. Many people attempt to strip painted models before custom painting. As models have become more detail oriented, manufacturers are going to great lengths to ensure that the detail is not mitigated by thick layers of paint. It is my experience that simply removing numbers and lettering as well as obscuring any sharp color separation lines is more than sufficient to prepare a model for painting. Executing this requires testing your paint flow for both primer and final color layers to ensure you are applying the thinnest coat needed to display a consistent appearance.
7 - Begin Spraying Before the Airbrush is Aimed AT the Model.
With each pass of the air brush, begin spraying before your pass will hit the model and continue in a straight, even-paced motion until the paint stream has passed the model. You just do not know what the paint flow will be like until you start spraying. Dried paint or another contaminate can lodge in the brush after the previous spray, causing the paint to blotch when you first depress the trigger. You NEVER want the airbrush to be pointed at the model when this happens. Start painting and know that the flow is smooth and proper before the stream hits the model.
8 - Thoroughly Clean Your Airbrush After Each Color.
Have available Paint Thinner, Cotton Swabs, and Towels when painting. Lacquer thinner is recommended for all oil-based paints as a thinner and for cleanup as well. As soon as you are done, put the model aside and spray thinner through the brush until the spray is clear. Then immediately take the airbrush apart and wipe down the accessible components. Take care not to bend or otherwise damage the needle during this process. Carefully reassemble the airbrush when done and store in a safe place for the next use.
9 - Refer to Step 1 - Do Not Rush Between Colors.
Allow each coat of paint sufficient time to dry especially if masking or changing brands of paint.
10 - Paint The Lightest Colors First.
If painting a model with more than one color, paint the lightest color first and work your way to the darkest colors.
11 - Burnish Your Edges.
When masking, take the time to press the edges of the masking tape against the model to ensure crisp lines. My preference is to use the back side of a hobby knife blade for this task.
12 - Gloss-Cote Before Decaling.
It just works better!
13 - Clear-Cote to Seal In Your Decals.
Always.
14 - Sufficiently Dilute Your Weathering Colors.
More passes with a weak color (allowing for drying time between passes) is better to achieve the desired effect than putting it on thick the first time. Once it is on, it's on!
I was very fortunate to have Lenny DiMartino as my painting mentor long-ago. He taught me the following very simple "Rules of Paint" that are easy to follow and yield high-quality results:
1 - Have Patience!
Never rush the steps. Take the time to prep and execute all of the steps. If you are not sure if the paint is dry, let it sit!
2 - Safety First.
Paint vapor can be very harmful if inhaled. When spraying oil-based paints ensure that there is an exhaust airflow to take paint overspray away from you as you paint. Not all of us can have professional spray booths with built-in ventilation systems. Strategic placement of simple fans can achieve the same effect. Never compromise on ensuring there is adequate ventilation. Use of a quality respirator is also encouraged. And finally no airbrushing indoors, ever!
3 - Wash Your Models.
Models tend to receive significant handling during the detailing and paint preparation processes. This can contaminate the model surface with dust, oils, and other debris that may compromise the adhesive properties of the paint. A simple soaking in water (not too warm as plastic warps) with dish soap followed by scrubbing with a toothbrush and a thorough rinsing will do the trick.
4 - Manage Your Workspace.
Consider the airflow you have designed with your provisions for ventilation. Make sure that all pieces being painted are not put to rest in this flow. Make sure you have room for everything and it is all within reach. Understand how you will rotate or otherwise maneuver your model during painting before you start painting. Have cleaning supplies on hand.
5 - Keep Your Environment Quiet.
Use a compressor to fill an air tank, do not paint with the compressor as the direct air source. This allows you to hear the paint hit the model. Do this enough and the sound will aid you. If the airbrush is too far away from the model, the paint will dry before it hits the model and this will sound different.
6 - Always Primer Your Model.
Even with an undecorated model, primer with a neutral color first. This will ensure uniform color and texture on the finished product and will also hi-lite any surface irregularities that may need correction before the final coat. Many people attempt to strip painted models before custom painting. As models have become more detail oriented, manufacturers are going to great lengths to ensure that the detail is not mitigated by thick layers of paint. It is my experience that simply removing numbers and lettering as well as obscuring any sharp color separation lines is more than sufficient to prepare a model for painting. Executing this requires testing your paint flow for both primer and final color layers to ensure you are applying the thinnest coat needed to display a consistent appearance.
7 - Begin Spraying Before the Airbrush is Aimed AT the Model.
With each pass of the air brush, begin spraying before your pass will hit the model and continue in a straight, even-paced motion until the paint stream has passed the model. You just do not know what the paint flow will be like until you start spraying. Dried paint or another contaminate can lodge in the brush after the previous spray, causing the paint to blotch when you first depress the trigger. You NEVER want the airbrush to be pointed at the model when this happens. Start painting and know that the flow is smooth and proper before the stream hits the model.
8 - Thoroughly Clean Your Airbrush After Each Color.
Have available Paint Thinner, Cotton Swabs, and Towels when painting. Lacquer thinner is recommended for all oil-based paints as a thinner and for cleanup as well. As soon as you are done, put the model aside and spray thinner through the brush until the spray is clear. Then immediately take the airbrush apart and wipe down the accessible components. Take care not to bend or otherwise damage the needle during this process. Carefully reassemble the airbrush when done and store in a safe place for the next use.
9 - Refer to Step 1 - Do Not Rush Between Colors.
Allow each coat of paint sufficient time to dry especially if masking or changing brands of paint.
10 - Paint The Lightest Colors First.
If painting a model with more than one color, paint the lightest color first and work your way to the darkest colors.
11 - Burnish Your Edges.
When masking, take the time to press the edges of the masking tape against the model to ensure crisp lines. My preference is to use the back side of a hobby knife blade for this task.
12 - Gloss-Cote Before Decaling.
It just works better!
13 - Clear-Cote to Seal In Your Decals.
Always.
14 - Sufficiently Dilute Your Weathering Colors.
More passes with a weak color (allowing for drying time between passes) is better to achieve the desired effect than putting it on thick the first time. Once it is on, it's on!
