| I used to love to build plastic scale models as a kid. | | | | much time spent in one spot will result in runs and a |
| I've even built a few as an adult. I think you will find | | | | not-so-great paint job. Before you spray paint your |
| scale models as much fun as I did. Plastic model kits | | | | first model, practice on an old cardboard box. Allow |
| are getting more difficult to find in stores these days. | | | | the first coat to dry for at least an hour and then |
| If you're really interested you should find a hobby | | | | apply a second coat. |
| shop close by that carries scale models or you can | | | | #3. Paint most of the small parts with a brush before |
| search online if you can't find what you're looking for | | | | detaching them and before assembling your model. |
| in your local hobby store. | | | | This will make it easier to paint small parts without |
| Some online stores specialize in certain types of | | | | getting paint all over your fingers and fingerprints in |
| models. For instance some stores carry military | | | | your paint job. |
| aircraft models only and some online stores carry | | | | #4. Before you glue parts together, scrape any paint |
| helicopter models only. This makes it easier for you | | | | or if it is a chrome part, scrape any chrome off of |
| to find exactly what you are looking for. | | | | the surfaces where the glue will be applied. If you do |
| You can learn a lot about whatever you are building | | | | not, the paint will peel off later and the pieces will |
| by learning the names of the different components | | | | come apart. |
| as you put your model together. For instance, if you | | | | #5. Make sure you have a well-ventilated for using |
| build a model car you will likely learn the names of a | | | | your model glue. Be sure to put down several layers |
| lot of the different engine parts. | | | | of newspaper to work on. It might be your last |
| Here are a few important tips for the beginning | | | | model if you get glue on your Mom's table! |
| plastic model builder. | | | | #6. When spray painting a model car body, |
| #1. Before you assemble your model, you will want | | | | sometimes you can fashion a body holder from a |
| to spray paint it. If you assemble it first, you will you | | | | clothes hanger. This prevents you from getting spray |
| will not be able to get paint into some of the tight | | | | paint all over your hands and from getting finger |
| areas and your model will look like it was built by an | | | | prints on your fresh paint job. |
| amateur. Buy spray paint in a can to paint the body | | | | #7. Be Patient! Take your time. If you rush you are |
| or fuselage of your model. Be sure to shake the can | | | | more likely to make mistakes. |
| vigorously for 30 - 60 seconds before painting. Test | | | | #8. Read the instructions completely before beginning |
| paint a small area on a piece of cardboard to check | | | | and refer back to them as you build. This will save |
| for color and smooth spray. | | | | you a lot of headaches later. |
| #2. Spray paint in a well ventilated area only. It is | | | | #9. Display your finished model in a safe place. You |
| important that you hold the spray can the correct | | | | may even want to purchase a small glass case for it. |
| distance from your model...about 6 inches is usually | | | | #10. If you really like model-building you may want to |
| recommended. If you get it too close your paint job | | | | purchase an air brush to do a more professional |
| will have runs in it; too far away and your paint job | | | | looking paint job. |
| will have an orange peel effect(it will look rough and | | | | #11. Have Fun! |
| dull). Keep the can moving while spraying...again, too | | | | |