Top coat

I'll start with a top tip - you can never spend too long painting. Rushing this part of the process will involve a lot of extra work going back over your model, removing paint and having to start over. Some golden rules here are to remember that although the paint may seem dry, you need to allow it to cure, otherwise when you go to mask over it, you will peel it off as if it were still wet. Also, when applying the paint, two or three thin coats, are more effective than one thick one.


So... how have I been getting along? Well take a look for yourself...

With the crimson red anti-fouling paint applied and the white 'deck' coat

With such and uneven surface it't almost impossible not to get a little overspray

Masking being applied ready for the black hull paint

Job done!

I try to apply at least 3 thin coats of paint from different angles to make sure I cover all of the surface. It is then left for at least 24 hours to cure before the next coat is applied. Then you can unmask it, allow it time to dry then move onto the next colour. It is always best to start with the light colours first, any over spray will then be covered by the darker layers. You can see the results for yourself. Amazing what a lick of paint can do to really bring a model to life.

This will now be left to dry completely for a couple of days to allow the paint to set, then I will touch up any areas that need it by hand before giving it an all over coat of satin varnish to really make her shine.

I am still really pleased with how the model is coming together and I cannot stress enough the importance of taking the time to get the job done right first time. As in the real thing, no cutting corners! 

Next I will be tackling the finishing touched to the hull before finally making a start on the lighting rig... a job I keep putting off but can no longer avoid.