Paint for periscopes?

[pantherf]

Okay, working on this 1/16th Panther and I started to "fill in" the lens area with Tamiya X-25 Clear Green.  I really like the color but it is not "fluid" enough as the Acrylic paint dried uneven and left a rough surface.

Anything I can 'add' to it to leave the color but leave a glass like surface?  I have a little room left as I guess I should have added something to the paint to cut it with.

Any suggestions?!!!!  I want to paint this thing to show Gary I can use my paint booth. 


Thanks guys!




Jeff

[paulh]

gloss

[pantherf]

That's what I was thinking too! 

It needs to self-level so what would be the best, acrylic or enamel?  Acrylic seems to just want to shrivel up and bubbles are a pain to get rid of once it dries.  I wish I knew more about mixing to acheive certain consistencies so it's a learning curve for sure.

Now, this AK Interactive set I just purchased will be fun!    Thanks for your help.




Jeff

[wbill76]

If you want something self levelling and a gloss, go with a drop of Future (or whatever it's called now, they keep changing the name). It's acrylic and very easy to work with.

[pantherf]

I found out the name of that in the new issue of FSM and will look for it.  Although I will do some testing with it what is the normal time for it to dry?

Also, when you guys use it to seal, what do you cut it with and what ratio?



Jeff

[paulh]

Jeff- apologies if my earlier response seemed somewhat curt.

Compleltely forgot about Future
I've only used it the once- but didn't cut it with anything and was more than happy with the result -just a couple of drops in with abgout 4 mls of paint
A fellow member of my local MAFVA branch uses it regularlty as an addition to whatever acrylic he is using at the time aid self leveling in his builds
P

[imatanker]

Aug 8, 2013 6:16:18 GMT -5 pantherf said:

I found out the name of that in the new issue of FSM and will look for it.  Although I will do some testing with it what is the normal time for it to dry?

Also, when you guys use it to seal, what do you cut it with and what ratio?



Jeff

Hey Man, I don't know if there is a normal drying time. A lot depends on temperature and how thick it is put on.  When you talk about sealing are you talking through the airbrush to seal the entire model? If so, I shoot it neat with no reduction and it works fine for me. Try some on some scrap first to get the feel of it. For clean up I use Simple Green cleaner. Hope that's what you're looking for. Jeff T. 

[pantherf]

Okay guys, thanks!  You know, I was just at the store and walked right by that area.  Guess I didn't want it that bad, huh. 

I will prevail.

And Paul, don't worry buddy about it.  I sometimes too leave a one word answer (in a hurry) and think back that maybe I could have left a smiley too. 




Jeff

[imatanker]

Jeff, you know I just thought of something. We're talking 1/16th right? You may be better off using a spray can gloss on that baby. I'm thinking it would be very hard to cover something that size with an AB. Just a thought. J.T.

[pantherf]

Hey Jeff... it is 1/16!  But I am only talking about "filling" it in so I will 'dab' it or brush it on with a micro brush just like I did with the paint.  It just needs some depth so a small layer of clear will do. 

I was at the Hobby Store today and almost bought some clear enamel, but since I will be spinning this paint booth into operation very soon I'm thinking I will need the floor wax anyway.  I have it 99% cleared out (with short-term storage) and I need to hook up the fan and light to a switch too.   

I am getting excited... I have had the compressor and AB for over 3 years!! 




Jeff

[Deleted]

Jeff,if the episcopes haven't been fitted to the build yet,just lay them flat and dab the Future/Klear onto the existing colour,and leave at least 24 hours,but longer the better,for handling.

[imatanker]

Pretty sweet Bub. It's a steep learning curve, so be prepared  . If you have any more questions, and I know you will don't be afraid to ask . There are a lot of unbelievably talented painters here who will help you out. And remember, practice practice practice. J.T.

[wbill76]

Aug 8, 2013 6:16:18 GMT -5 pantherf said:

I found out the name of that in the new issue of FSM and will look for it.  Although I will do some testing with it what is the normal time for it to dry?

Also, when you guys use it to seal, what do you cut it with and what ratio?



Jeff

No need to cut it, spray it right out of the bottle. Normal dry (touch-dry) is about 10-15 minutes depending on your humidity level. Fully cured is usually 24 hours to be on the safe side. For clean-up, just run some Windex through your AB afterwards, the ammonia in the Windex does the trick nicely.