How to Paint Plastic Scale Models

Add detail to your plastic models with paint.

A plastic scale model may replicate historical ships and airplanes or fantasy ships from science fiction movies. Whatever your reason for building a plastic scale model, you will probably want to add details to the finished model with paint. Painting a model is a relatively straightforward process although you do need to keep a few tips in mind to ensure the best results.

Things You'll Need

• 100-grit sandpaper
• Rag
• Paint
• Paintbrush
• Toothpick
• Mineral spirits

Instructions

1. Lightly sand any rough edges on the plastic model with 100-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface before you begin painting. Wipe away dust or plastic slivers after sanding with a rag.

2. Choose enamel paints or acrylic paints to use on your plastic model. Do not use both acrylic and enamel paints on the same model because the paints may not properly adhere to one another, causing flaking paint and an unattractive appearance.

3. Apply a base coat of paint to the model with a brush and let it dry completely. The base coat should be the most common color found on your plastic scale model.

4. Add details to the model by applying paint with a small paintbrush or a toothpick. Refer to a picture while painting your plastic scale model to ensure that you add the correct colors and details.

5. Clean your paintbrushes after use. Water is enough to clean paintbrushes used to apply acrylic paint while you will need to use mineral spirits or paint thinner to clean paintbrushes used with enamel paint.

References

• "Paint Saves the Day;" Lucianna Samu; 2009
• North Dakota State University Extension: Building Plastic Models From a Kit