After using my spray booth on my previous build, I decided to try painting a model with nothing but alcohol or water based paint.

There was nothing special, either very good or very bad, about assembly. I did have to putty a couple of spots, such as the cowling, but at this point I pretty much expect that with every build. When it came time to prime, I had a dilemma. I wanted to use a water based primer, but they often don't stick to plastic that well, and I knew I would need to mask this kit. I have some Badger Stynylrez primer, which has a reputation of adhering well. While perusing YouTube for advice on using Stynylrez, I came across a user comment that mentioned using a mixture of Future and craft paint as a primer, so I decided to try that. I mixed some Future with some Liquitex Soft Body acrylic paint (Neutral Gray Value 5). Even though the paint is called Soft Body, it is still rather thick, about the consistency of mayonnaise, so I used about two parts Future to one part paint. It sprayed well. I let it dry overnight.

After using AMMO paints on my previous build, I decided to try Vallejo on this one. However, I didn't have any Vallejo RLM 04, so I used AMMO for that. The RLM 74, RLM 75 and RLM 76 were Vallejo Model Air. Although they sprayed fine, I wasn't too thrilled with the actual color - I think there should be a bit more contrast betwee the 74 and the 75. I used a Montex mask, number 48018. It fit well, but did not stick on the rear section, so there was a bit of overspray.

Nothing on the kit decal sheet - which is extensive - appealed to me, so I used Yellow 9 from EagleCals 65. I used Future both before and after decals, and a mix of Future with Tamiya Flat Base for the final flat coat. I was rather pleased with the way the canopy fit, as I often have trouble with that.

Page last updated June 15, 2023.