Hi guys, just thought I would share the way I finish and paint my models now.  Painting and finishing is always a struggle for me. I decided to speak to a guy that had a nicely finished model and I used some of his tips.

1. Completely sand the model lightly using 400 sand paper.
2. Fill any holes or major imperfections with your favourite filler. I use Polyfiller for interior timber.
3. Paint the whole model with 2 part clear polyurethane thinned to 50% and allow to dry completely.
4. Mix up some Polyfiller with water to make it very thin so it can be brushed on and allow to dry.
5. Sand the whole model with 400 sand paper and sand most of the polyfiller away leaving it behind in the grain. The polyfiller is very easy to sand, much easier than dope and talc or sanding sealer.
6. To obtain an even better finish complete steps 4 and 5 again.
7. Apply a coat of dope to seal the filler and allow to dry then sand lightly again and remove all dust.
8. Apply top coat of 2 pac polyurethane or epoxy enamel and allow to dry at least 24 hrs.
9. Mask and add trim colours as required using same type of paint as used in step 8.
10. Add decals.

Sounds simple enough, but I hate sanding as I always tend to do some damage along the way ie while sanding and therefore create another part that needs filler, so I try to keep the sanding to a minimum. The above method I learnt from a fellow Aussie flyer keeps the sanding to a minimum while still providing a very good finish.

Here's a pic of my latest model done using the above method.




 
 

Warren --

You specifically omitted covering bare wood with silkspan or tissue at any stage. I've been trying to decide if that should be standard practice or not.

You think not, so what in your experience led to that decision?

       Larry Fulwider

wish i saw this 4 days ago before i stated on my legacy - ......would have made for a WAY easier finish

Nup, I dont do it. Just adds weight ie unless the model has open bays in the fuselage that need covering.

Hi Larry,

I guess we use what we use because we dont have easy access to all the proper modelling sealers, and paints here. Most of the serious models here are painted with 2 pac poly auto paint and applied with a professional spray gun.  I really couldnt be bothered with all the fuss which is why I just use rattle can epoxy enamel (aka rust guard here), which I think is similar to your rustoleum paint.  I dont know much about water based polyurethane, as I havent seen it.

Cheers

Warren

Thanks for the articale.  I will have to try this Polyfill .
Your Ramrod looks very clean and mean.  Bryan

Larry   I say always cover the body with paper or silk if you are going to use a dope finish. My All American that you have seem many times doesn't have any paper on it. It was smooth three years ago when I put the new body on it. Now all the grain shows and it is very hard to get clean. Paper adds a lot of strength and the wood needs less finish on it.
Ed

Any idea on where to get Pollyfilla in the US?  Or a good substitute?

According to a link on Google it's not sold in the USA.

yeah - but I can send ya some