I used several light coats of Halfords Vauxhall “Petrol Blue” from a spray can followed by Halfords clear laquer also from a spray can. The finish is very smooth and glossy. I did not have any problems with the paint reacting with the plastic moulding. If I remember correctly I did prepare the body with very lightly applied very fine wet and dry to help the paint key.
Hope you are getting better, I wish you well.
I keep meaning to start my models you just may have inspired me to start these…
Got the Mk1/Eunos too…
The key to getting a good finish is use a primer on the body, grey plastic primer and plenty of wet n dry finshing, gently does it. I also use a clear coat finish over the painted finish, again a little wet n dry before applying that over the painted surface.
I’ve got some not so good pictures of past models I’ve done, done quite a few, some big American rigs too, sadly those have been passed on with no pictures.
Thanks mate. Deffo get those two started, it’s suus a relaxing hobby and enjoyable. Looking forward to seeing yours all built up!n
I have those two Ferrari’s, both in 1:18 scale and in diecast. Want to get a display unit built in the garage for them all!
That’s stunning, especially the interior mate. What scale is it?
Thank you. it’s 1/24th. I also built mine whilst recuperating from an illness. It was very therapeutic. Some more pictures of the interior attached.
By the way the “Plastic Magic” made by Deluxe Materials cement, which is low viscosity, comes in a bottle and applied using a fine built in small brush, is far easier and more accurate to use than normal polystyrene cement…
Any model kit is a great way to spend time if you are convalescing from illness… Far better than watching endless repeats of top gear or homes under the hammer on daytime TV anyway. I have a bit of razor blue paint left in the garage somewhere so may order one of these myself. My first job with any kit is to give it a good wash with soapy water & dry before doing anything.
I have memories from being a kid of spending hours making model aircraft then when it was done to perfection setting fire to it & chucking it out of my bedroom window then just for effect finish it off with an air rifle,…please tell me I am not the only one!!
^^^^ You’re the only one.
Brings back memories, I’ve got memories of building a Lancaster bomber, spitfire, classic frog eye sprite, mini just ones I can remember. I started and completed the hull guns masts on the HMS Victory but rigging got the better of me and I gave up, it never got completed.
Was told by a competant plastic modeller to use super glue to build these models and be sparing with it.
So, started mx5 model number 2! Have got allmparts painted ready for assembly. The shell this time was sprayed with one of the Humbrol model spray paints, which has turned out ok. It’s at least smooth and even this time, and the difference in colour is unbelievable! No way on earth is the spray can I got from halfrauds “Mazda classic red”. It looks like maroon/burgundy! Sonthat will be getting flatter back and redone with the model spray paint.
Will post up photos of the second build later!
These are a couple I made nearly 15 years ago, they’ve lasted pretty well.
The Honda was done with a cheap air brush using silver Humbrol enamel using white spirit as thinners if I remember correctly.
The Kawasaki was done with a brush and the finish, although not bad, isn’t as good as on the Honda.
One modification I had to do on the Honda was to make a new set of handlebars after breaking the originals. They were made using some brass wire I had lying about.
those two look amazing mate! Always love the level of detail you get on bike models! Finish looks stunning on both the bikes.
Thanks Steve. Good to see modelling can even help with more serious things such as ptsd. Never thought of it being used in treatment but it makes perfect sense. The way it relaxes you and chills you out is amazing. Can see me getting some more models to build , although looking forward to getting back to working on the big model which is Mindy!
So, started building model number 2 but also decided I wasn’t happy with model number 1 so it was stripped to it’s body again!
Can see just how bad the paint was…
Sanded model 1 down again ready for painting…
Decided against using the Halfords paint and instead bought some Humbrol model spray paint in bright red. Resprayed model number 1 and model number 2 at same time.
Model number 1 looking much better this time around!
Also decided to "upgrade the interior on model 1 to same as model 2. I painted it up like it had the wood rim steering wheel, gearknob and centre console trim
And some photos pf the two models. All decals on except for the number plates which I’m making myself on laptop.
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Unfortunately, when trying to remove the rear lights on model 1 before respraying the body, they broke. So these had to be left on and painted over. Once dry, I had to paint the details on the outside of the lights, hence they look different to model 2. Also shows the damage to lights when I tried to remove them. Ah well, only noticeable with the camera, can hardly see it when just viewing the model!
On model number 2, I found out that by not using on glue on certain front suspension parts meant that it had working steering! Happy with these two now, one is on the shelf in living room, the other waiting to go onto dashboard of Mindy!
If you use Humbrol clearcoat over that including the clear plastic it will give you a faultless shine. I think I would also use some black wash enamel to highlight the door & bonnet etc shut lines before putting the clear coat on. Some good tutorials on u tube for doing this.