Getting Started With Model Kits

GETTTING STARTED

Sprues serve the noble purpose of being where the parts of the model come in. It is always wise to clean the sprue and associated parts in water with some soap as this helps in getting rid of the grease that’s left from the model mold. The grease prevents the paint from sticking to the model. The sprue should be labeled letters and each part a number. This goes hand in hand with the instructions as outlined in the models instruction booklet.

REMOVING PARTS

Avoid twisting parts from the sprue. This tends to leave some holes in your parts and may render an unpleasant look to your model. The sprue cutters or clippers should be used to cut the parts out.

GET RID OF EXTRA PLASTIC

Upon removing the parts from the sprue, you will need to get to rid of excess plastic. The first step involves scraping the plastic by means of a Xacto knife. This is then followed by sanding it by means of a rough grit sandpaper. It is an often temptation to most builders to ignore this step but this presents fit problems and a less than satisfying look to the model.

GLUING PARTS TOGETHER

In terms of gluing, you will need to use the glue to both parts of the joints. Acetone based cement tends to melt the top layer of the plastic. If you make any unnecessary delays, the melted plastic hardens back. You don’t necessarily need a mammoth amount of glue to let the parts together. It is important to bear in mind that it isn’t exactly the glue that holds the parts of the model together. The melted plastic is the actual bonding catalyst and is capable of forming a formidable joint between the parts.

FILL THE GAPS

Gaps are nearly inevitable upon finishing the gluing process. This is where the putty comes in handy as it can easily be used to fill the gaps and give the model a better look. After applying the putty, let it dry and then sand the model to come up with a better look.

GETTING THE PAINTING PROCESS READY

If you are looking to go for an extra mile with your model by introducing some paint, there are a few things that you need to take into consideration. Always make sure that the area is well ventilated, and you need to put on a respirator because this paint can be dangerous.

PRIMING

A great model primer should always be used and it is important to note that model primer is different from regular primers because it has finer particles. Always avoid painting when the model is gassing out. If the looks of the primer don’t present a dull finish that should be enough to let you know it is ready for painting.

It is also worth noting that you need to swirl the cam as most people come up with a rather poor look because they were shaking the cam during the process of application. Swirling helps you avoid the formation of bubbles in the primer.

APPLY THE BASE COAT PAINT

If you are up for brush painting, you can get over this step. It mainly applies to spray and airbrush options. The basecoat needs to always be darker than the actual color you want to use on your model. Always make it a point to take care of all the nooks and crannies as this is your shadow. A scale is usually not good enough to produce a good shadow and the base coat assists with giving the shadow more authentic properties.

PAINTING

Upon going through all the necessary steps, you are now prepared to do the painting for the actual color of the model to come out. Allow the base coat to be uncovered in small spaces and this represents the shadow. Let it dry completely as you prepare for the next step.

DECALS

The scissors come in handy when it comes to cutting out for decals. Always strive to get the cutting close to the edge of the graphics. Concentrating on a single decal at a time, make use of the twizzers hold it down. Following this, dip it into the water and then then leave it alone for 30-60 seconds. The importance of this is that it helps to activate the associated glue. Leaving it in the water makes the glue to disintegrate rendering the decal incapable of sticking. Always make it appoint to keep the targeted area smooth and free of impurities and that the paint and the cue tip are soaked in water. Upon achieving this, getting the decal on is as simple as sliding it off onto whichever area you want it on. A fry cue tip often comes in as a handy tool when sliding the decal into place. Avoid rubbing the decal down, just roll over it with a cue tip as this considerably reduces the risk of having the decal torn. Upon doing this, give the decals a chance to dry up in a typical period of a single day.