[Tyler109]

I decided to take a stab at building a kit or two and I'm having a couple issues. I tried using putty to fill in the gaps on the fuselage and it doesnt seem like it wants to settle into the cracks properly and I'm having a hard time getting of the excess to sand off smoothly. My other issue I've had is after assembling the plane and painting it parts of it came out perfect but a few spots I have terrible paint runs. I wasn't sure if there was a good technique for panting a 3d object without having any overlap.

[Warhawk]

What type of putty? Be sure to wash the plasic with liquid soap (I use dawn) and warm water to get the mould release oil off. Fingerprints can cause problems too.

[Tyler109]

Originally Posted by Warhawk

What type of putty? Be sure to wash the plasic with liquid soap (I use dawn) and warm water to get the mould release oil off. Fingerprints can cause problems too.

I'm using testors contour putty

[STARMAN 352ND]

Just like Warhawk said you need to wash the plastic with liquid soap i also use Dawn as well with my models.
i use Squadron fast drying white putty for my models.
Works really well.
JP

[Tyler109]

Thanks guys.. Do you normally assemble your planes before you paint the exterior?

[Warhawk]

I've never worked with testors (I use Tamiya), but here's a link to someone who has. http://www.calsmodels.com/calstipsfour.htm

[STARMAN 352ND]

Originally Posted by Tyler109

Thanks guys.. Do you normally assemble your planes before you paint the exterior?

I will paint my interior first and then assemble it.
Then when i'm ready to paint the plane i will put a cotton ball in it then tape it up so no over spray will get inside the cockpit area.
Sometimes after you do that a little over spray can still sneak inside...I just do a little touch up and it's done.
I have painted the exterior first one time and i did not like it very well and i ended up painting it again after it was all done being built up.
JP

[Warhawk]

Starman is right, if you are going to do any taping over painted parts, be sure to use a low tack type. Are you using an airbrush, and familiar with using Future floor wax as a sealer?

[Hornchurch]

Originally Posted by Warhawk

if you are going to do any taping over painted parts, be sure to use a low tack type. Are you using an airbrush,

Tyler - Assuming you are (airbrushing), most folks who build top-quality models for magazines & museums (that I know personally) swear by "Tamiya Masking Tape", that's available in varying thicknesses & is of the highest quality.

Most model shops worth their salt should stock it.

[SKUNKY]

Tyler, Testor's contour putty is really crappy stuff (imo). Bondo would actually work better (seriously, It's about the same thing as Testor's red and Squadron green putty)...Try thinning it with liquid cement and apply to the seams with a small pointed paintbrush or toothpick, then immediately wipe the excess away with acetone..No sanding required with this method.