Starship Modeler Discussion Forums

One tip I picked up from Das Phule, is to thin Tamiya with the Tamiya lacquer thinner. It thins wonderfully, and when it dries, it dries quickly, and HARD. Plus, the lacquer thinner slightly etches the plastic, which allows the paint to grip the plastic even more. Just make sure you have PLENTY of v...

Power recliner remotes generally have a ton of small wire. My dad let the magic smoke out of his chair, and it was cheaper to replace the chair than to repair it. Before it went out to the dump, I cut the remote off, and stripped out the wire. I think it had 8 different colors, and was about 5 feet ...

Future with Tamiya flat base, or Microscale flat. I am partial to the Microscale option. It lays down dead flat. Can Microscale Flat be sprayed through an airbrush? How does it hold up, after it's cured, to Windex? Usually acrylics that won't budge when Windex is sprayed on them are very tough. It ...

I know NASA had a satellite designed to record the results of orbital wear, I can't remember the name, but it stayed in orbit much longer than planned. LDEF--The Long Duration Exposure Facility . It was supposed to be brought home after a year, but because of the Challenger disaster, it spent 69 mo...

Future with Tamiya flat base, or Microscale flat. I am partial to the Microscale option. It lays down dead flat.

50/50 or 60/40 with lacquer thinner. I did it with flat black, and it went down beautifully, and dried in seconds.

Thanks for the tip, Ter!

Thanks, Kev. I knew there was something off with my paints.

Does anybody know if we'll ever get Gunze paints here again? Or, is it even possible to ship them here?

Thanks, Kev. I knew there was something off with my paints.

Does anybody know if we'll ever get Gunze paints here again? Or, is it even possible to ship them here?

Tamiya sells empty bottles, too.

Thanks, Robb. I'll have to try that, since I can't figure out doing it with acrylic paints!

Since I'm the resident village idiot, I have another question: What's the secret to drybrushing with acrylics? For whatever reason, they fail epically, compared to enamels.

Suggestions, learned ones?

If you have a Hobby Lobby near you, print a 40% off coupon and go get one.

If noise isn't an issue, Campbell-Hausfeld makes a nice compressor with a 2gallon tank for about $75 or so.

Iwata SmadtJet.

'Nuff said.

Actually, Iwata now makes a version with a tank. That would be my choice.

Brad: yes.
Robb: no.

Lesson learned, and thanks muchly, gentlebeings.

I'll give it a go. If need be, I'll break out the Purple Power and strip it.

Note to self: RTFB before I try something new!

The paint was still able to be brushed after 2 days, Brad. I didn't thin it with anything, Robb. The paint was super-thin when it ca.e out the tube. I justirred it up, and slopped it on. I haven't checked it today. I have left it with the fan blowing on it for the past 3 days. I'll post more when I ...

Model Master acurylic light ghost gray, Brad. I wonder if it was the paint I used. Worse comes to worst, I can always strip and repaint. Maybe do a different scheme.

Anybody tell me how long oil paints take to dry? I did a wash with some black oil paints, and 2 days later, it's still a wet mess. I even wiped the majority off with a lint-free towel, and still a mess.

Any suggestions?

You could also try Simple Green. It may take longer, but, it is kinder to your hands.

I can't find Polly Scale around here. Guess I'll have to place an order with Model Expo or Micro Mark.

I have an Iwata SmartJet, and it's great. The only thing I would do differently, would be to get the version with the tank that Iwata has now. Other than that, NO complaints.

Sorry, y'all, I kinda forgot about this post. It is Microscale Microflat. I'm loving this stuff!

For shiitakkes and grins, I picked up a bottle of Microflat at the local Hobbytown last week. I finally got to use some yesterday.

I AM A HAPPY GUY!!! Dead flat, not the slightest hint of sheen. My only complaint is the little bottle it comes in.

Why am I using anything else?

I have an Iwata Smart Jet. HIGHLY recommended...unless Iwata is putting one out with a tank!

I doubt you'll find it there.

Try this link...

http://www.coastairbrush.com/proddetail.asp?prod=QDM

I think that's what you'll need. You may also want to check the local art supply stores, or (if you have one in your area) Hobby Lobby or Michael's.

If there's a Hobby Lobby in the area, go to their website, print a 40% off coupon, and go get yourself a SmartJet by Iwata. IIRC, they also have a compressor that has a small (very small) tank.

Bert, one word for you: Future. It's the STUFF! it can be brushed, but watch out for brush strokes.

Most benign, and smells nice too: Simple Green. That stuff takes EVERYTHING off--acrylic, rattle-can enamel...I bet it'd take lacquer off, too, if I let it soak long enough!

Sure does! Thanks for the clarification.

Hmmm...what can I wash down next?