Photo Etch Painting

[Guest]

I'm building Tamiya's 1/32 A6M2b Model 21 Zero. I ordered the interior photo etch for the cockpit and the pieces range from sub micron to sub atomic in size. Gluing them will be a challenge but doable. My question is the photo etch comes in a 4" x 6" sheet. What is the best way to prime-paint them? My thought is I could spray Mr. Metal primer on the sheet then glue the parts on then paint them along with the cockpit parts. Trying to separate each piece of PE and prime and paint seems way to tedious. I realize some of the pieces will need to be separated but I thought priming could be done while still connected all together. The good thing about the Mr. Metal primer is that it dries clear so the numbers on the sheet can still be read. I'm sure you folks with experience can set me straight.


Ray

[Guest]

Based on my experience, I didn't bother use those super tiny PE or those which won't be seen after finalizing. I just bought the Mr. Hobby Metal Primer and haven't use them so I don't really know the result. Normally I just paint it directly or use lacquer primer before hand.


You could attach all the PE as you build then primer it as you normally would, if you see what I mean


Hope that helps.


Leo

[Guest]

Do not bother Ray. If you have to bend pieces you will damage or crack the paint film. If adhesive creeps on to the front face it is easy to remove with the PE in pristine metal finish.


I fit the PE and then prime the whole model or section of model. The primer helps to seal the edges and fills micro gaps. and makes the PE seem an original part of the model not an add on.


Matter of interest i use only very approx 50% of PE. Some parts you have to remove those aready moulded in to the plastic. In numerous cases I have found the original is no better and in some cases worse than the original. Also some small parts do not, for me, look right.


Laurie

[papa 695]

Hi Ray as the others have said fit the PE first then prime the kit as you would normally. Unless it's the pre painted PE you can get then it's prime and paint as usual then fit the pre- painted PE.


Hope this helps

[Guest]

Thanks for the info I'll fit and prime. Should be fun.


Ray

[ojays]

I normally brush the sheet over with a 'Fibre Pen' (can be bought from John I believe)


This provides a mechanical etch for your first coat of primer.


Gregg