🔧 Scale Model Building Tips

Choose based on desired finish and application method. For brush painting, enamels like Tamiya Acrylic or Vallejo Model Color offer great adhesion and easy cleanup with water. Acrylics, like Vallejo Air or AMMO by Mig Jimenez, are ideal for airbrushing due to their pigment concentration and flow. Lacquers like Tamiya Spray Lacquer provide a gloss finish but require a well-ventilated area.

Start with coarse grits (120-220) for removing mold seams and filling imperfections. Mid-range grits (320-400) are suitable for smoothing surfaces after filling and sanding seams. Fine grits (600-800) prepare the model for painting by removing any remaining sanding marks. Use wet-or-dry sandpaper for best results, applying pressure evenly and sanding in one direction.

Tamiya Putty is ideal for fine gaps and small imperfections due to its thin consistency. Vallejo Plastic Putty is thicker, making it better suited for filling large gaps and heavy seams. Both require Vallejo Airbrush Thinner to thin and apply with an airbrush. Let dry completely before sanding.

Photo-etch (Eduard, Eduard Xtra, ICM) offers fine detail but requires careful handling, bending, and adhesion. Resin detail parts (like Arma Hobby, Clear Prop Models) provide pre-shapen detail but can be fragile. Consider the level of detail needed and your comfort with the material before purchasing. Practice bending photo-etch on spare parts before applying to your model.

Micro Set/Sol (7500 and 7501) is a classic two-part decal setting solution that softens decals for easy positioning. Mr. Mark Softer (038) is a single-part solution that works well with modern water-based decals. Both are applied sparingly under the decal, allowed to soak in, and then the decal is gently positioned using a soft brush. Excess solution can be wiped away with a damp cloth before drying.