Finishing techniques

[olddiablo]

I'm a newbe to this terrific hobby (on my 2nd model) and it is clear that there is a lot I need to learn about finishing and painting my models.  Are there any books, manuals, articles, etc that any of you would recommend I add to my library??

JSW

[Khephre]

Here are a couple of publications to tempt you:

Finishing Scale Ship Models: Detailing and Painting Techniques
by Tom Gorman, Chatham Publishing, UK

Painting Model Boats
by Rick Eyrich, Traplet Publications (one of their 'Modeller's World' series), UK

I haven't read either so can't comment on their relevance but subject matter looks right and the authors are pretty well known in modelling circles. My own learnings have come from books on railway modelling, particularly the "noble arts" of weathering and diorama making.

Best advice I've ever had as far as painting goes  -  practice, practice, practice...

oh, and while airbrushes might not be essential, they can be really useful

Tony

[Stu Kerrn Sr]

I'm a newbe to this terrific hobby (on my 2nd model) and it is clear that there is a lot I need to learn about finishing and painting my models.  Are there any books, manuals, articles, etc that any of you would recommend I add to my library??

JSW

There are a number of things to be considered first. Is it a static or R.C. boat. The U.K. people have a completely different method of painting R. C. boats and many paint  with Humbrol products and then varnish, I use sandable auto undercoat spray cans and then spray can finish color, I use flat matte varnish to a surface that doesn't need to be semi gloss or gloss after finish painting, using a very high quality brush. The more gloss the finish has, the more defects show. Make every effort to block sand a surface you want to look smooth and flat, resist the temtation to sand a finish with your hand holding the sandpaper. Paint doesn't hide, the surface must be good. Never paint your finished model without first trying it on scrap. Remember the material you are painting makes a world of difference. If necessary make a dummy part of whatever you will paint and try what you think will work but never the finished part. Your valid question will bring many different views. Get a method that works for you and stick to it.