Tramline222

Thanks for responding - I used the AK Xtreme Black Base - it had fully cured. Very strange that the same range of paints should react in such a way.

Hi hope more experienced modellers can help here... I’m using AK Xtreme metal paints for the first time on a Lightning, I’ve read copious threads about its application and using a black base and all was looking good - the aluminium sprayed beautifully over the gloss black base and I left the paint to dry and it looked unblemished. About a week later I decided I’d mask off a few panels and used another shade of AK Xtreme metal paint and to my shock the two colours appeared to react and the black base became visible. Luckily I’d tested this out on an unattached wing so so major damage - but can anyone suggest what I did wrong? The airbrush was clean and dry and working properly. As a further test, I ran aluminium over a bare plastic mule then dark aluminium without any issue.... Grateful for any thoughts....

Hi Troy, thanks for replying. I was giving the model a final matt varnish coat, I assumed naively that it would dry clear and had unmasked the canopy - again this is due to my lack of knowledge since returning to the fold. The canopy is fixed, but I will try another coat of Quickshine to see if that redeems my error, if not I'll look to removing the canopy and stripping it back to square one. Would IPA be the best medium to strip the canopy back? Many thanks for your advice

I’m just about to complete my first model following my return to it for 30 years - I’ve learnt so much from this website, YouTube etc and it’s been a really enjoyable experience up to now, but my first coat of Winsor and Newton Matt UV Varnish has caused the previous clear canopy to become opaque. It was originally dipped in Lakeland’s Quickshine and then masked and painted - it was looking really good until the spraying of the Matt varnish coat. I’m turning to more experienced modellers - can the canopy be saved? Any advice would be gratefully received...

Troy and Parabat, many thanks for taking the time to reply. Really appreciate it.

Just getting back into modelling after 30 years and also about to tackle my first model - Airfix 1-72 Wellington - it will also be my first use of an airbrush. I've bought an Iwata paired with a Sparmax 610 compressor so I've a lot of learning and understanding to take onboard but I won't rush anything. My main question is when and what do you use to seal coats of airbrushed paint? I'm planning on using Vallejo airbrush paint. Is it after every spray coat? And what should I use? Gloss, satin, flat? or something else? When applying decals what is considered the best process and what products are recommended? I'm sorry to ask such inane questions but there is so much information - almost too much information about conflicting branded products affecting finishes and paints. I'd be grateful for any help and suggestions. Many thanks

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to post. Very informative and interesting. Many thanks Paul

I'm returning to aircraft modelling after a 30 year break. Everything has moved on and basically I realise I need to start over with everything! Obviously, I need tools for plastic modelling but can someone advise me what the best option is to begin a tool kit collection? What tools do I really need, which tools should I have in my locker and basically is there a good tool kit which I could purchase to begin the task of putting a decent collection together? Any advice or pointers gratefully received. Many thanks

Hello, I'm dipping my toe back into aircraft modelling after a 30 year break. I look at this website and the outstanding quality of models presented for viewing and its almost intimidating! I'm literally having to learn everything all over again, I need to know about tools, techniques and learn skills that at 58 may be hard to achieve. I'd like to begin using an airbrush with a quiet compressor and listen to advice about adhesives, paints and finishes that have moved along so far from the 80s and 90s. I will be asking loads of questions about tools to use, what items are needed as a starting point and any advice offered will be gratefully accepted. Many thanks and I'm looking forward to joining in...