weathering vinyl tracks

[Leon]

Hi guys.I am buying AK'S track and tire weathering set.Question is, do i need to prep the vinyl tracks before using the weathering paints?Any help would be appreciated.

[Deleted]

Never used that product but looking forward to hearing the answer... I have always used paint, pastels and a pencil...

[Leon]

Joe i used to use the same things a long time ago.Looking foreword to trying this on my build.

[bbd468]

Hey Leon, What i do when i paint vinyl track is scrub with 91% iso alcohol, then prime with Tamiya Surface primer thinned with Lacquer thinner. when dry i paint base color and seal. If you do you must be careful when handeling too much or you'll be touching up alot.

Or you can just clean and weather like they are, in the raw, and use pigments, dry brushing and the like. Ive done that too.

Hope that helps some bro,
Gary

[deafpanzer]

Gary aka name I don't have to mention said it perfectly. Priming the vinyl tracks is probably the most important thing or the paint will not stick well. I had few companies come for house exterior painting and one guy said he will not dare to paint the vinyl door I have. Crazy...

[Leon]

Hey guys,i knew i could count on some great feed back and advice.Mucho appreciated.

[Tojo72]

Leon,that AK Track solution is very hot !! Proceed carefully,don't slop too much on at once,it might melt them.

[Leon]

WOW ,thanks Tojo i really appreciate that bit of info.

[tobias5555]

Priminig is needed, I use Vallejo primer and then the weathering is no Problem.

[Leon]

Thanks Tobias.Getting a lot of good tips here.

[elco]

Sometime i use Dragon's DS Tracks but i don' use enamel product on them just acrylics for painting and the washes. Pigments for the dirt or oilpaint with sand fo give it some body for heavy mud.

[Leon]

Dicky thanks mate.Getting a lot of good input from everyone and i really like that.

Elco,thanks for the response,i also only use acrylics,

[TRM]

Hi Leon!! Late to the party here...was doing the Holiday Family thing!!

All of the suggestions are spot on! Washing then is a great start. Soapy water and/or alcohol removed all the release agents (if any) oils and dirt from handling. Powder-free latex gloves I use from this point on as to ensure they stay clean, plus I can simply hold them while I paint. The last ones I did, I used AK's new primer. 3 light coats...all done in 15 minutes or so. Let them dry good. Tamiya thinned with lacquer thinner works well as it bites the primer coat pretty good. Again, the last one I used The Dark Track color from the AK set. Misted a quick coat...twice. The 3rd coat was light but filled in any spots. If you want to use the light track color after to randomly highlight...your choice. Since I was using the enamel effects from AK after to weather, I never bothered to actually seal the tracks. It is a good idea to seal just the same ans you can easily remove the work you did accidentally! Add mud and/or dusting using water or thinner as the medium and allow to dry remove and adjust as needed along the way or just after...then I used a sharp wood-less graphite pencil for the high point to shine them up!



Remember this one...1/72 to boot. Like mentioned earlier, try to avoid over handling after they are painted. These sucked to get on too and I was pleased at how well the paint stayed together!

Point with anything is to take your time, lighter/thinner coats built up less movement after the fact. Good luck!!

[Leon]

Thanks T.Should have all the info i need.Aces on those T.Appreciate everybody's advice.