I am about to paint my first structure–Skip’s Ribs. I am going to paint it pretty much the way it’s displayed on the DPM package–all light brown with green trim around the windows and doors etc. I just don’t see how I can do this without lapping over the trim or the building. I can first paint the body and then try to paint the trim–though I’m not sure how to “stay in the lines.” I don’t see how to mask it–there’s so many curves and angles. Or I can paint the trim first and then the body but again it seems like it will be hard not to go into the trim with the brown.
It’s just a liquid masting agent that you can paint on in any shape and then peel off. Once it’s dry you can use a brand new xacto knife blade to trim if necessary before you actually paint. You can get it at the local hobby shop. Also, one other way I know of is to use bare metal foil and a mask. It’s also at the LHS and it’s an adhesive backed foil that the model car and airplane guys use to simulate chrome. You cut it to the basic shape and stick it on, then burnish it down with a Q-tip, use a new xacto blade to trim, then paint and peel.
I have painted about 8 of the DPM and Rix’s Smallville buildings.
You need a number “0” paint brush.
A magnifying glass is also very helpful
I paint the brick or wood portion first and I don’t mind if I get a little paint on the windows or detail because I will cover it when I paint the detail.
Other than a steady hand that is all of I have needed to paint the detail.
Just mask it off. That’s an easy kit to mask and paint. It’s all straight lines.
Do your base color first, then the windows and trim. Just cut your masking tape into small strips and burnish it down with a toothpick.
Make sure your base color if completely dry before masking and peal the tape off gently.
You will have to go back over it and touch things up but it’s easier than free handing the whole building.
I hire scale union painters; they’re authorities on three hour coffee breaks but wouldn’t know a straight line from elbow macaroni if it arrived on the front lawn with a banner attached!
The time and care spent to mask or paint on a liquid masking, you could have spent applying the trim paint. Just get in a comfortable position and paint w/ a small brush. If you’re new to this, A hint, only dip the tip of the brush sometimes wiping some paint on scrap before attemting the cut in. Also hold your breath while actually cutting the line.
Small brush,paint the body then the trim. If you slop a little on the body, touch ups are easy. Apply the window glazing AFTER paint.I usually paint before assembling the building then touch up where needed. My [2c]
I became a big fan of painting everything possible before assembly, once I had tried it the first time. That way, seldom is more than one color needed on a piece. Often, the pieces can be painted and held right on the spru if a plastic model. I will even assemble the painted pieces such as window frames and doors into the walls before assembling the building. Only touch up is needed after assembly, or a few places which couldn’t be done earlier. I try to leave the potential glue surfaces without paint.
Well, I’m going to start this weekend. I’ve only glued two pairs of walls so that I can get in later to apply windows, etc. I appreciate all the tips (even though they almost all conflict [swg]) and I will report back.
Not trying to be funny, may I suggest that you do take the bull by the horn and paint by hand. An O brush and a headset magnifier and a steady hand (and solid worktable) should get you through it. Frankly, I recommend it also if for no other reason than to hone your painting skills. If you are serious about the hobby, you will be doing a whole lot of painting over time!
