Painting Tips

[Roboticus_Prime]

I'm sure painting is one of the most asked about things for these tanks. Mine is pretty simple.

Do you guys disassemble a tank for painting? How far?

I'm planning on painting my first tank soon. Nothing fancy. I just want uniform color. Any tips would be greatly appreciated

[ALPHA]

I'm sure painting is one of the most asked about things for these tanks. Mine is pretty simple.

Do you guys disassemble a tank for painting? How far?

I'm planning on painting my first tank soon. Nothing fancy. I just want uniform color. Any tips would be greatly appreciated

You going by brush or airbrush RP?....In most cases no disassembly needed....and if you do...the most you really need to remove is the turret...some take tools seriously here...me? ...not so much...if they are on and stuck there..I leave them there and paint them there...the one thing good about having them off is you can refine the detail on them before replacing them
Color also plays a major factor in application of paint...if it is a weak color different steps should be taken...like laying an appropriate undercoat first...a Strong color like green will cover quickly with either an airbrush or brush

Any other questions ..feel free to ask

ALPHA

[Roboticus_Prime]

Awesome, Thanks guys!

When I say "nothing fancy" I mean I'll probably be using spray paint lol.

[ALPHA]

I agree nothing wrong with shaker cans....you definitely should remove the turret...and tape up the black on your wheels...unless you plan to chase them later with a brush...tools and other gadgets I would leave...especially if you are going to add some stowage after the paint job

ALPHA

[tomhugill]

I'm sure painting is one of the most asked about things for these tanks. Mine is pretty simple.

Do you guys disassemble a tank for painting? How far?

I'm planning on painting my first tank soon. Nothing fancy. I just want uniform color. Any tips would be greatly appreciated

I remove the wheels, sprockets, tracks and the turret.

[ALPHA]

Yeah....Tracks forgot about them lol....do take them off


ALPHA

[Bluelion]

Or just tape them up , aerosol sprays are great . Went down to my local car paint shop and they mixed up ral 7021 for me in a can then I just taped the tracks and sprayed away , then a little brush and a bit of weathering I think it looks ok but then again it's my tank .

[jarndice]

What a sad fellow I must seem I always strip down any Tank to its component parts,
I line the inner floor with a sheet of "Velcro"
I fit if necessary new gearboxes and at the same time axle support bearings,
Then glue a strip of "Velcro" to all the ancillaries that will be fitted to the floor,
I will cut a new battery strap slot that is parallel to the old one but closer to the side of the Hull so that I can have the battery on its side which gives more room in the hull,
NOW I paint the Hull in Primer using an auto spray rattle can, then the same treatment for a stripped down body and then a separate go at the turret,
And now if I am using PE such as exhaust units, Fenders and tools I will paint them with metal primer as well as the assembled "Voyager" clamps and clasps,
The wheels will be stripped of the tyres if fitted and the rollers, wheels, and sprockets again getting a spray of Auto primer,
A smear of Lithium grease on each axle after paint and wheel assembly.
I always use a TAMIYA spray head on car rattle cans,
Finish by spraying the auto primer on the PE then first coat for the hull and then the body and the turret and the wheels sprockets and rollers,
Now I begin the assembly while separately painting the tools and other equipment that is to go on the body,
With the major parts, Body, Hull, Turret now together I finish the top coat and apply the decals EXCEPT the fire extinguisher which I do any time I have a moment,
Now all the ancillaries go into the Tank and I dry run all the electrics before I fit the tracks and the tools then another trial and start smiling at the Grandchildren again.
shaun.

[ALPHA]

Nope not sad Wo1c....Just someone who has time on his hands and enjoys it

ALPHA