Using acrylics on model cars.. Sanding, polishing etc. Any tips or advice?

[deniall83]

Hi guys. I build model cars almost exclusively and I always use spray cans of Tamiya primer, colour and clear. I believe these are synthetic lacquers, correct? I recently bought my first airbrush and I'm thinking about switching to acrylic primers, paints and clears but I'm not sure if I'll get the desired finish. Does anyone paint cars with acrylics? Can the paint be wet sanded smooth and polished like lacquer can? Also, what airbrush primers are suitable for Mr Color and Tamiya lacquer? Thanks in advance for any help.

[arilo76]

Hi Mate, just that you know I don't build cars, however I can give you some tips because I use the Tamiya colour and use mostly acrylics.
Primer, one that I can recommend with out any doubt is Ultimate Primer
http://www.creativemodels.com.au/shopma ... t2=PRIMERS
That stuff is amazing. the recommended minimum needle is 0.4mm, however I use with my Iwata Neo 0.3mm not a problem.
Regarding the sanding and polishing of acrylics I honestly have no suggestions.
I hope it helps.

[Paul]

Hi guys. I build model cars almost exclusively and I always use spray cans of Tamiya primer, colour and clear. I believe these are synthetic lacquers, correct? I recently bought my first airbrush and I'm thinking about switching to acrylic primers, paints and clears but I'm not sure if I'll get the desired finish. Does anyone paint cars with acrylics? Can the paint be wet sanded smooth and polished like lacquer can? Also, what airbrush primers are suitable for Mr Color and Tamiya lacquer? Thanks in advance for any help.

As said you can use Ultimate primers safely with all paints no problems, or you can use spray can or straight alclad etc primer too, this can all be sanded safely once sured

You can sand acrylic paint no problem and using alclad aqua gloss or tamiya x22 you can wet and dry and polish.

hope that helps any more questions please fire away

[FuzzSquad]

Just a suggestion as you've have been using rattlecans in the past. For the panel work for cars and bikes I use the cellulose paint from companies like Zero Paints or Gravity.