Vehicle painting tips

[gung-hoeddie]

i have 1 question when dismantling a vehicle quite often the tabs seem stiff and i don't want to damage the toy whats the easiest method to take them a part if there is one?.

[The Kraken Wakes]

carefully? I try and lever as carefully as possible with a screwdriver while trying not to mark the plastiv but its not always possible.. some times brute force works better than being careful though...

ive broken tabs a few times when opening up to paint but depending on the vehicle and location of the tab you sometimes cant tell once its glued back on and has paint over the top...

[The Baron]

I use the flat of a regular table knife but really the best thing is something made of wood to avoid scratching the plastic. Always check for hidden screws first, and most often there is a sequence to the catches, say one at the front and two at the back (one either side), there's no point in doing the front one first as it'll just pop back in until the side ones are done, etc.

[gung-hoeddie]

i'll have to try the very delicate approach and take my time thank you for the tips.

[The Baron]

Oh, go slow when dismantling anything that involves springs, otherwise they are liable to explode. You will then need to spend hours figuring out how to reassemble it.

[gung-hoeddie]

i've always been a smash it pieces then try and work out what i've done after type person, i've got some spare vehicle shells i'm going to have a pop at first to practise my technique.

[scoobydie]

Just spray painted an acrylic on top of another acrylic of the same brand and this is what happened!


The black on top of the red has split allowing the red through, GRRRR!!! annoying!
Still, just hand brushed an enamel on top and looks to be holding.............................. so far

[Thundershot]

It's a pretty nice special painting effect..I've seen model makers use it before, if different colours were used it would make a good dinosaur skin for instance.

[scoobydie]

Looks like a lava effect, but ultimately no good for my desired purpose
Sure there was a thread about the dangers of mixing different types of paint, never thought it would apply to the two of the same though