I need a little bit of guidance from the experienced builders here on the site. My question is is what order do I paint my model to make it look ok. I did primer and paint, but I would like to add a filter. Do I put a gloss layer before the filter and panel liner? I need some guidance please.
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I would do a gloss layer before the panel liner, but it isn’t absolutely necessary. In my experience it’s easier.
Filters are ways to make a subtle change in color and can be brushed or airbrushed. I would not want the surface to be glossy for the filter, but others may have different opinions on that.
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A filter and panel liner are very different things. First, you want to put a gloss clear coat over your base colors to protect them from being darkened or stained from subsequent techniques. Also in preparation for decals.
After you apply your decals, cover them with another gloss clear coat to seal them in.
Then do your panel liner. You want it to flow and be easy to remove excess.
You want filters to stay where you put them. They are generally applied to certain areas to change the tone of the color. Do this over a clear satin or flat coat.
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I’ve never used one, but I want to break up the green. I think this is a good candidate to try out a wash and I’m a little torn on weather to apply it straight to the paint or to give myself that saftey net and be able to clean it off.
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Always use the safety net…gloss coat before panel lines and washes…much easier to remove and avoid tide marks…lol…trust me i know.
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Thats why I ask here I don’t need to make the same mistakes that have been made already I like to learn from other’s mistakes.
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Consensus seems to apply filters over a gloss coat. I apply them over the flat paint. Reason being I want the filter to be absorbed by the original color. As filters are little more than tinted thinner it’s easy to control the amount of build up to get the subtle changes.
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I apply all weathering (including washes) over a flatcoat. As stated above, they are easy to control and get the effects I want.
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OK so one follow on question should I do decals then the filter then a gloss then pin wash then a gloss or can I do the pin wash and the filter on the same layer.
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I think this came up just the other day, but more than happy to repeat my process; I hasten to add that this is for AFVs:
Wash model (if desired)
Primer
Base coat (or camouflage pattern as necessary)
Paint details
Gloss (this will secure the base colour and details, enable decals and facilitate washes etc)
Decals
Chipping
Wash – including pin washes
Dry brush
Matt varnish – re-gloss where necessary; if gloss finish then matt details
Add antennae/light lenses – latter can be affixed before but will need masking
Weather – paint/pastels
Blend to base if using one eg Tamiya Buff etc
Exhaust pastels if appropriate
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I think I remember seeing this you do a lot more than my limited skill set is able to do but I can edit it to fit my style.
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What type of product is your panel liner and filters, meaning, enamel, acrylic or thinned oil paint?
All behave differently.
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To be honest Michael, it is a bit of an ideal - and I don’t always adhere to everything; for instance, I don’t often wash my models anymore, unless my greasy paws have been just that. A good primer normally takes care of many marks and smears.
After that though, it’s just a check-list, there’s nothing especially scientific I assure you. I jotted it all down as I was getting forgetful(!)
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I have the Tamya panel liner and AK filters
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Tamiya Panel liner is enamel. It’s a great product.
It gives you plenty of time to wash away any mistakes with mineral spirits or the old Testor’s air brush thinner.
I’m not sure what AK is, but i think enamel.
I only ask because acrylic washes set up fast and you have to pay attention.
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Thank you for your list I like it and I’m sure I can add more tools as I learn more.
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I would need to look but I understand what you ment if they are opposite products I should gloss between them to help making their cohabitation easier to work with. At this rate my kits will weight ten pounds do to all the layers. I might need to reinforce my shelves.
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I only bring it up because depending on the type of clear coat, (gloss, satin or flat) the washes will react differently.
Acrylic washes on a flat surface will be harder to remove tide marks if you are not familiar with doing these. I learned the hard way and still do stupid stuff, usually from being impatient.
I have really improved after watching some finishing on Youtube, and by being patient( lol most of time) .
Patience is really needed when doing panel liner and washes and stuff.
You should try doing the extra steps that were posted above.
Learning to do that will improve you model, and then with experience, you know what you can skip.
By the way, i am not a show modeler like a lot of the others here are, but following there advice and criticisms is beneficial.
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Me too I like going to the shows, but my models are for me and me alone I have a very particular reason for building and my style and finished products reflect my end goal.
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The general view is gloss to protect the base colors. If one used a fragile base paint this is outstanding advice unless well experienced. If you’re using a base coat that bites and holds like a quality enamel or lacquer one can do all the weathering directly on the paint if proper care is taken.
Since you’re just starting to experiment, I’d apply the gloss first as other suggested and gain experience. Later you could test other approaches if desired.
Generally, I’m a weather directly on the enamel base color(s) fan then gloss coat, decal, gloss coat and weather more before finally doing the flat coat. Filters go on when ever I think they are beneficial likewise washes.
Best wishes & good luck!
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