Cracks in my paint!

jinx182 · Post by **jinx182** » Mon Oct 25, 2010 2:27 pm

Hello everyone I have a little problem and i wanted to get some opinions on what i'm doing wrong. I'm building the PL 1/350 nx-01. After primig the model i used a can of model master metalizer (stainless steel). When the paint started to dry little areas with cracks in the paint started to on the surface. I sanded the paint off the effected areas and tried again and got similar results but in different areas. what am I doing wrong?

eeun · Post by **eeun** » Mon Oct 25, 2010 3:34 pm

What type of primer are you using? Some primers just don't get along with certain paints.

How long are you letting the primer dry? I always wait a couple days unless my primer and paint are the same brand (or I know from experience that they get along).

How heavily are you applying the metallic paint? Several thin coats are better than a thick coat. If you need a wet coat for a smooth metallic finish, the lighter coats, once cured, can help seal away the primer coat.

jinx182 · Post by **jinx182** » Mon Oct 25, 2010 4:20 pm

Yeah, I think I am spraying the mtealizer on a little thick. I have to barely touch the model with a mist. If a spot starts look wet, the paint starts to crack.

Tony Agustin · Post by **Tony Agustin** » Mon Oct 25, 2010 5:05 pm

Either your primer is crap and you aren't letting it cure fully. Or there is too much moisture in the air and it has settled on the primed surface.

jinx182 · Post by **jinx182** » Mon Oct 25, 2010 5:45 pm

I let the primer dry for four days but it did rain earlier today here so maybe that's it.

Gerry · Post by **Gerry** » Mon Oct 25, 2010 5:49 pm

My primer also developed cracks.
But it was on the inside so I just gave it another coat to fill in.

I had put it on way too thick and that's why mine cracked.

jinx182 · Post by **jinx182** » Mon Oct 25, 2010 7:58 pm

I give up. I just laid my parts in a pine-sol bath. I'll try again in a few days With a different primer.

Ace Airspeed · Post by **Ace Airspeed** » Tue Oct 26, 2010 6:25 am

Model Master Metalizer is not formulated to be used with a primer - shoot it straight onto clean plastic.

jinx182 · Post by **jinx182** » Tue Oct 26, 2010 8:42 am

I read that last night on another thread. Live and learn I guess.

irishtrek · Post by **irishtrek** » Tue Oct 26, 2010 2:51 pm

Some thimg else you may want to consider is the primer and metalic paint both enamel or just 1 of them?

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Tue Oct 26, 2010 3:29 pm

If they're like Alclad II they usually want a gloss primer.