In the May issue there was an article written by V S Roseman about Enhancing Brick Structures. In that article he talks about using a solvent based paint wash on plastic. My question is, wouldn’t that ‘craze’ the plastic? I didn’t see any reference about using any kind of barrier so just wondered if anyone has tried this and what was the outcome?
When I think back about all the army and ship models I painted as a kid with solvent based model paints, I don’t recall a single case of plastic failure. I think model paint on “hard” plastic is not a problem. On foam, that is a different situation. If you have any question, put some of the paint on a piece of a sprue and see if it damages the plastic.
Good luck,
I read the same article and just bought some oil paints to do just that. I just haven’t gotten around to doing it yet. Be nice to know if this isn’t a good idea before I try it. But I don’t see why it won’t work.
Well, I remember there being a product called Floquiil Barrier that was used to protect raw styrene before using the solvent based products, If you try this technique I would be interested in knowing the results.
By the way, I just read that Testor’s is now handling Floquil and the Barrier has been discontinued.
There shouldn´t be any need for barrier with the “new” Floquil paints, I have used them directly on plastic without any problems. That is probably why Testors have discontinued the barrier.
It all comes down to the type of thinner that is used, if you use cellulose thinners, then plastic is a no-go! I have used cellulose however when painting brass locos.
That was a good article. There is another option for doing the brick, not necessarily better, just different. That is, to paint the entire structure the masonry color first and then, using a flat tipped brush, dry brush the brick color over the masonry base. The bristles pick up the brick but don’t touch the underlying mortar. It’s essentially the reverse of the tecnique in the article. Just another way to skin the same cat.
Another enhancement is to take a small brush and paint the occasional brick a slightly lighter or darker brick color. This is tedious so I don’t do it all of the time but it does look pretty good.
Finally, the overall look is really improved if you wrap up by applying a dilute black wash of 1 teaspoon India ink to a pint of alcohol over the brick. You can do the wash with a brush although an airbrush application is easier to control.
Lance Mindheim
Visit the Downtown Spur at www.lancemindheim.com
Not just sure what you mean by oil paints. If you are referring to artist oils in a tube, don’t use it. Years ago I used that type of paint on a plastic ship model. It neveer did dry what I would call dry. It seemed tacky, even years later.
Just my experience.
Have fun,
Hey there. I’m guessing you are working with a plastic structure. The following works well with anything. Have you tried white chaulk. I’ve used it. Then rub it around with your finger then spray it with Model Master #1960 lusterles (flat) or you could use the semi-gloss #1959 semi-gloss. I liked the flat. Just an idea.
Plan, Build play then enjoy. John L.
V.S. Roseman ROCKS! Go REA!
Well on that note, I think I will try it on something sacrificial first