Afraid of metalic paint

[Tophe]

As my wife prefers your models (in miscellaneous bright colours) than mine (all in sky blue to focus on shape only), I have bought a Humbrol golden paint, that I may use for the Rutan ProTwinUs.
BUT a bad memory struck me: when I made a Matchbox 1/72 Mirage IIIC in 1977, I painted it all silver then (2 days later) I wanted to paint red the air intakes and... the red paint dissolved the silver coat and an awful mixture was produced, absolutely ugly after drying    (I removed all with sand paper and painted it all again, plain silver...).
Well, as I plan to paint in black the canopy of the Proteus, I am afraid something similar may happen...
So I ask  to experts: was I right in stopping all use of 'paint upon silver' (the ProTwinUs would be sky blue... ), or was it a bad paint of the old times, Humbrol Enamel having cured it for years? (the ProTwinUs would be golden... )

[Hobbes]

I don't use gold often, but Humbrol's silver metallic (colors 11, 56)  don't have that problem.
You could try waiting two weeks instead of two days before painting over the gold. That will allow the gold paint to cure completely.  

[Patrick H]

Have used Humbrol metalic paints before and never had a problem with it. As Hobbes said, wait a bit longer before applying the second paint or you could use acrillic paints for the second one. That way they wonet interact.

good luck

Patrick  

[Leigh]

Not really had that problem but just an idea, if you use enamel metallics why not then use acrylics for painting over them. The acrylic shouldnt have the capability of dissolving the enamel underneath.

[Tophe]

Thanks a lot dear you all, making me hope I will succeed.
Just a question: what is the label of acrylic paint? (or could you tell me 2 labels? this way, it will not be forbidden advertisement but simply information) cause I will have to order by mail and I am not sure the shop will know how to translate my wish into product references...
Thanks again!  

[Leigh]

My favourites are Misterkit an Italian manufacturer so you might see them in France and Gunze Sangyo/Mr colour aqueous. Most of the Brits here though are swearing by Xtracrylics.
I really don't like tamiya acrylics but that's just my preference.

[Nigel Bunker]

I've always got around ths problem by painting the metallic, allowing it to dry for a couple of days and sealing the whole model with Klear (or similar). This locks down the metallic finish and the appropriate finish can be restored to the metallic paint using matt/satin/gloss varnish of your choice.

[Tophe]

As you all insist on long drying, maybe I could try simply that at first: gold paint - 2 weeks waiting - plack paint on the canopy - if an awful result appears: order acrylic paint and try again...
Extra question; if I use acrylic paint with a brush rather then a spray, how to clean the brush? White spirit, simply?

[Patrick H]

I use Vallejo Acrylic paint. Very good stuff that can easily brushed and airbrushed. To clean my brushes after using it, just plain water from the tap. cheapest cleaner around.  



Patrick

[Tophe]

Nicely surprising: water-paint for plastic/resin models! Great! You make me feel like a child again...  ^_^
Just a question: as water is a solvent for it, if I take my model outside to take a picture (like several of us do) and suddenly the rain falls, would all the colours be washed away...?    

[AeroplaneDriver]

I'm new to acrylics and love them!  Water cleanup, thin with alcohol, and once dry the rain wont budge them!!

If you are set on enamels though, you could always paint the black canopy first then mask it before the gold coat.

Either way, cant wait to see it!!

[Leigh]

I use rubbing alcohol/surgical spirit for cleaning brushes and thinning acrylics. The alcohol evaporates quicker and means the paint dries faster. Alcohol is great for cleaning dust etc off models after sanding and prior to painting. Just don't drink it ... unless yer Canadian then you won't notice the difference and yer tolerance level is so high it should be safe.

[Brian da Basher]

I'm a huge fan of acrylic model paints. Maybe this is because I often work on paintings and use acrylics there as well. I've used Model Masters Steel as well as Tamiya Aluminum and Gun Metal and have painted slightly over both of them (brushpainting) after only a couple of hours' drying time with no ill effects.

Brian da Basher

[Patrick H]

Just a question: as water is a solvent for it, if I take my model outside to take a picture (like several of us do) and suddenly the rain falls, would all the colours be washed away...?

Have no fear to that, as long as you don't put your model in the shower before the paint has fully cured it won't be effected by water annymore.
One tip though, of you're using acrilics, do put a coat of primer on your bare plastic model first. otherwhise, the paint might not stick to the plastic to well.



patrick

[Tophe]

Thanks for all these details and explanations. If I fail, I will have no reason to explain, being the only guilty myself, paints being innocent... ^_^