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Enamel/Acrylic paints on AMT Refit

D

DiamondJoe

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I've recently started on my third AMT refit model (and my first since 1992 when I was 13, so I want to do it properly this time, although I'm very much an amateur). I gave it a Tamiya gray primer spray, flat white base and then a pearl white gloss.

However the hand painting isn't looking good and I'm wondering why. I'm using Humbrol enamel and it seems to be very watery and inconsistent. I gave it a good shake and a stir. Is it the fact I'm painting onto gloss? Should I be using Acrylic? Does it just need more coats?
 
Some pants don't brush well sometimes it depends on the person.
I find that paints from Vallejo or Citadel are the best hand painting ones that don't usually leave brush marks so you can try them if you like.
Vallejo and Tamiya has retarder in there line. That slows drying time and is useful for hand painting.
My go to is Vallejo with a couple drops if retarder or air brush thinner in it to thin it down. Takes a couple of coats sometimes.
 
It would go better over a matte finish. I suggest hitting it with a dullcote before digging in with the hand brush work.

--Alex
 
Not in my experience. I brush over gloss all the time. Flat is a different because it has grip .

For your case the flat may destroy the pearl effect your going for. Perhaps a semi gloss if your having troubles.

Just do light coats, hit it with a hair dryer to speed up drying ( carefully.. don't melt ur kit) and do multiple coats to get the desired results. Practice on a throw away kit if your not sure.

I'm here daily if you have any questions.

Retarder to use. It can be thined with water but this helps.
$3.50 or so. Don't pay over $5 for ANY bottle of paint.

https://acrylicosvallejo.com/en/product/hobby/auxiliaries-model/retarder-medium-70597/
 
Thanks. Yeah I definitely want the pearl effect, its as close as I'll get to Aztec which is way out of my skill range.
 
If you want to give the Aztek effect a shot, you can download a set of templates that you should be able to print out and then cut with a knife. Try using Tamiya pearlescent spray paints (if you can take the $$ prices!) in light layers over the white base.

Here's a site to download templates:

http://www.starshipmodeler.com/tech/cz_mask.htm

The forth set down should work with the old AMT TMP Enterprise kit.
 
If you have a few bucks, you can use custom paint masks. I've used these, quite nice.
https://orbitaldrydock.com/Paint-Masks/Masks_Star_Trek
If your unsure, they have youtube videos on how to use the masks. Trekyards on youtube has also used these masks.

Aztec Dummy also does masks, Have used them before but the black tape is quite sticky, so take care on pulling them up.
https://www.culttvmanshop.com/Refit-Starship-Aztek-paint-masks-1537-AMT-from-Aztek-Dummy_p_494.html


Used these, there quite good. Lacqour paint
https://spraygunner.com/gsi-creos-mr-crystal-color/

I have used paint masks for the 1701 refit, and have used a gloss white, sometimes pearl white, and with the masks sprayed Pearlescent Blue, red and gold to simulate the aztec. worked quite well!

Some decals for the "Strong Back" if you don't want to paint. there is also some "wallpaper" decals for the aztec on the site if you want it. (Yes you can go down an expensive hole!0
https://hdamodelworx.com/537600-SCA...EFLECTOR-HOUSING-and-Pylon-Decals-_p_217.html
 
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These look amazing but I'd be lying if I said I thought I had the skill to do them right. Think I'd need a few practice runs.
 
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