Beginners advice

[BenBigfoot]

I have done some basic one or 2 tone paint jobs before but I fancy trying something a bit more complex, maybe where images or cutouts like stencils in the design

Any tips for a first try?

 

[SrC]

A fresh roll of masking tape is a start. An exacto #11 blade knife for masking tape designs. A design planned ahead of time helps. Or you can just freestyle it as you go.
Since painting Lexan is done in reverse (painting inside, not outside) Darker colors should be painted first in theory. So as not to obsure and mute out any lighter colors. There are exceptions to this. In this case you would use a proper light color backer coat ( silver or white) on any lighter colors first, before painting very dark ones.
Again since you are painting in reverse as stated above, you need to plan on which masking is getting painted first.
Much is trial and error what works best for you, at least in the beginning.
Wash, scuff then wash the body again before masking. Use clean hands or gloves when possible. Gloves suck sometimes though. Fingerprints can prevent good paint adhesion. Getting some paint peeling here and there.
Try to paint in temps above 60F. Place paint cans in hot water (sink for 5 minutes) Will have better paint pressure. And less tip spitting/splatter of the paint. Will waste less paint also. Very very light paint coats at first. Let dry 5 minuets or so between coats. Less is more here. Only need to apply enough coats to give a uniform color. Tamiya PS (Lexan ) paint is the best and comes in a wide variety of colors. Don't mix different brands of Paint whatever you choose to use. Hope this helps.

Once finished, show off your body here on AF for a chance to win the monthly prize.

https://www.arrmaforum.com/threads/...e-month-rotm-contest.45616/page-6#post-642319

 

[LVC RC]

@SrC Nailed it! You can also try liquid mask. Paints on in 2-3 coats and is excellent for clean lines and more complex designs.

 

[SrC]

^^^This. +1
I have used LM before also. There is a slight learning curve to using it. Watch some videos first.
Best clean lines for crazy flowing designs.

If masking tape is your thing, Hemistorm is the King. I watched all his stuff. Great for graphic ideas and color combinations..

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=hemistorm

 

[Ajag]

Learning to paint these bodies isn’t hard..just takes practice and as mentioned..you have to remember that everything is done in reverse so be extra careful not to mess up because it’s really hard to undo once done ..

What I do is draw the pattern or design on the outside of the body and then tape or liquid mask the inside and cut to the pattern on the outside

Like this

 

[Da Spanky]

Parma used to do a lot of pre cut stencils, used them a few times, you can also use price tag stickers you get at office supply places

 

[BenBigfoot]

A fresh roll of masking tape is a start. An exacto #11 blade knife for masking tape designs. A design planned ahead of time helps. Or you can just freestyle it as you go.
Since painting Lexan is done in reverse (painting inside, not outside) Darker colors should be painted first in theory. So as not to obsure and mute out any lighter colors. There are exceptions to this. In this case you would use a proper light color backer coat ( silver or white) on any lighter colors first, before painting very dark ones.
Again since you are painting in reverse as stated above, you need to plan on which masking is getting painted first.
Much is trial and error what works best for you, at least in the beginning.
Wash, scuff then wash the body again before masking. Use clean hands or gloves when possible. Gloves suck sometimes though. Fingerprints can prevent good paint adhesion. Getting some paint peeling here and there.
Try to paint in temps above 60F. Place paint cans in hot water (sink for 5 minutes) Will have better paint pressure. And less tip spitting/splatter of the paint. Will waste less paint also. Very very light paint coats at first. Let dry 5 minuets or so between coats. Less is more here. Only need to apply enough coats to give a uniform color. Tamiya PS (Lexan ) paint is the best and comes in a wide variety of colors. Don't mix different brands of Paint whatever you choose to use. Hope this helps.

Once finished, show off your body here on AF for a chance to win the monthly prize.

https://www.arrmaforum.com/threads/...e-month-rotm-contest.45616/page-6#post-642319

Fantastic thank you