What prep and paint do i use?

[Vector Sigma 13]

Im looking at customising an old and rather loose G1 Soundwave. So far ive taken him to bits and cleaned up some of the casting marks with my you-bute $10.00 pretend dremel. Im surprised how good a job it did actually.

Any way i was just wondering what paint everyone uses and what surface preparation is done before painting. Is a primer needed etc? Spray paint or brush application? Im a bit of a perfectionist so a nice finish is important.

Id love to hear any feedback or ideas from anyone regarding this topic.

[gamblor916]

At this point I would suggest getting some wet/dry sandpaper used wet to get all surfaces smooth and to give the plastic some "key" (so it sticks).
Wash it with some soapy water, then you should be ready for primer. Tamiya fine primer is good (use white for light colours). Spray the primer wait a few days then lightly sand it down with wet/dry. It should be super smooth at this point.
For the best finish spray is the way to go, airbrush would be best but cans are ok. Use even passes, and right now in cold weather I would warm the can in hot (not boiling) water for a minute or two before spraying.
If you want you can polish it after it hardens after a week or so. Meguiars Scratch X is pretty good.
Good luck and post pictures

[sifun]

Where can I find a top coat so I don't get a sticky finish after spraying?

[Vector Sigma 13]

At this point I would suggest getting some wet/dry sandpaper used wet to get all surfaces smooth and to give the plastic some "key" (so it sticks).
Wash it with some soapy water, then you should be ready for primer. Tamiya fine primer is good (use white for light colours). Spray the primer wait a few days then lightly sand it down with wet/dry. It should be super smooth at this point.
For the best finish spray is the way to go, airbrush would be best but cans are ok. Use even passes, and right now in cold weather I would warm the can in hot (not boiling) water for a minute or two before spraying.
If you want you can polish it after it hardens after a week or so. Meguiars Scratch X is pretty good.
Good luck and post pictures

Cheers thats the sort of info i was after! What grade sand paper would/ should one use- pretty fine i expect?

[gamblor916]

Where can I find a top coat so I don't get a sticky finish after spraying?

What are you painting with? Tamiya sprays touch dry pretty quick.
For clear coat TS-13 is ok but finicky sometimes.

What grade sand paper would/ should one use- pretty fine i expect?

You should find it easily in a hardware or auto store. Just make sure you can use it wet. The finest grade should be ok, it's not really for heavy sanding, just polishing the surface out.

[lcz128]

Hey Gamblor! I really appreciate this info that you've put here! Helped me heaps with my cj repaint

[gamblor916]

No problem
Now I should follow my own advice and start finishing stuff.