Best way to prepare a tank for painting?

[43rdRecceReg]

In this instance, obviously, I really mean an unpainted Taigen; a built- from- parts HL/Taigen; or a Hobby/Trumpeter/Tamiya 1/16 kit. Some say the plastic components should be cleaned with soapy water before priming, and that metal parts- especially alloy hulls-should be wiped down with soapy water, or even scoured with a vinegar solution to increase paint adhesion. Any ideas and tips? Some even say not to bother with primer as thicker paint stratas tend to obscure detail....and that Acrylic paints can get by without primer. Tamiya recommend metal primer, as well as surface primer for their models before a top coat. But Tamiya metal primer is expensive and hard to find. Would a vinegar wipe, and red oxide primer be as effective?

[jackalope]

Metal parts I use self etching red oxide automotive paint from rattle cans. I use Rustolium as I've found it seems to stick the best. THIN COATS! On my last couple builds I just used it on the plastic as well so the following costs of paint would keep the same shade. Again thin coats so you don't lose details.

I used to, many years ago, build models professionally and I did start to wash them by letting them sit in a tub of luke warm water with Dawn dish detergent desolved in it. Let the parts soak for about 15-20 min. remove rinse off in cool water allow to air dry. I honestly haven't done this with any of my tank builds.

[43rdRecceReg]

Metal parts I use self etching red oxide automotive paint from rattle cans. I use Rustolium as I've found it seems to stick the best. THIN COATS! On my last couple builds I just used it on the plastic as well so the following costs of paint would keep the same shade. Again thin coats so you don't lose details.

I used to, many years ago, build models professionally and I did start to wash them by letting them sit in a tub of luke warm water with Dawn dish detergent desolved in it. Let the parts soak for about 15-20 min. remove rinse off in cool water allow to air dry. I honestly haven't done this with any of my tank builds.

Thanks, Terry, for the seasoned pro's take on preparation. I can't say I've ever washed or soaked any of my models prior to painting; but a lot of modelling sites I've checked out suggest you should. The Tamiya KT I'm going to start fairly soon, isn't a cheap item..so I want to get the consensus on good preparation before I start. I did like the idea of using vinegar to etch metal tubs/chassis, though. Rust-Oleum is available in the UK in rattle can format; but I've never tried it.
I assume it doesn't react adversely with traditional brands of acrylic modelling paints: Vallejo, Mig., etc., ?

[jackalope]

I'd be afraid to use vinegar on plastic, I've never tried it and on a kit such as a Tamiya King Tiger and it's royal price tag I'd have to stick with what I know. Do you guys have Dawn dish detergent in the UK? If it were my build I would get a large plastic tube, add the Dawn dish detergent and warm water. You want the water to take on a tint of whatever color Dawn you get, blue or green.
Submerge the parts in the water and just let them sit for a while, I'd give them an hour since some of the parts are so small I wouldn't recommend scrubbing anything just let them soak. Then rinse off in warm water and allow to air dry.

If you like I can send you a can or 2 of Rustolium if you can't order it over there, it's real good stuff!

[jarndice]

This is obviously a suit yourself way of doing things,
This is my way and it works for me.
I clean every part of the Tank including the metal parts using "Servisol" Acrylic Thinners, I would not recommend Tamiya's own brand it is far too expensive,
I paint every metal part with "Mr Hobby" Metal primer, It comes in a little bottle and lasts for years,
Next I paint "Mr Primer Surfacer" on the whole of the Tank (Unless it is damaged I use "Surfacer 1,000").
Then I use a cheap 500 Ml rattle can of "Simoniz" Red Oxide Primer from a car accessory shop,
I change the spray head of the Rattle can for a fine spray head (Multiple head packs are available on E-Bay for penny's).
If you have small items that need a decal or a stencil I recommend you do them before fitting them on the Tank.
And then you are left with the decision as to whether to Brush, Air-Brush or Rattle can your Tank,
That is too personal a choice for me to want to get involved.
Shaun.

[43rdRecceReg]

This is obviously a suit yourself way of doing things,
This is my way and it works for me.
I clean every part of the Tank including the metal parts using "Servisol" Acrylic primer, I would not recommend Tamiya's own brand it is far too expensive,
I paint every metal part with "Mr Hobby" Metal primer, It comes in a little bottle and lasts for years,
Next I paint "Mr Primer Surfacer" on the whole of the Tank (Unless it is damaged I use "Surfacer 1,000").
Then I use a cheap 500 Ml rattle can of "Simoniz" Red Oxide Primer from a car accessory shop,
I change the spray head of the Rattle can for a fine spray head (Multiple head packs are available on E-Bay for penny's).
If you have small items that need a decal or a stencil I recommend you do them before fitting them on the Tank.
And then you are left with the decision as to whether to Brush, Air-Brush or Rattle can your Tank,
That is too personal a choice for me to want to get involved.
Shaun.

Ah, this sounds like an algorithm, or a paratrooper's equipment check, before a jump....but.. it also looks like an excellent formula to me, Shaun. More than that, you often come up with products I've never heard of in my modellers' apprenticeship. Having just checked out the 'Mr Hobby metal Primer', I see they sell on Ebay; so I think I'll be ordering some of that. What I didn't realise, is that when it bought 'Mr Surfacer'- a year or so ago- this company is behind 'Mr Hobby.' and all those other 'Mr' products. Reminds me, as an aside, of all the 'Mr Men' books my kids were reading decades ago, and the way they tittered when they found a match for me: more often than not, 'Mr Grumpy'
Thanks..
Roy

[Raminator]

I've almost always washed everything with warm soapy water and let it air dry. On the rare occasions where I haven't though, nothing bad has ever happened.

I would definitely use something other than Tamiya's surface primer on white metal surfaces though, I've had problems with it flaking off with minor contact.

[jarndice]

Ram, All metal surfaces should be very well cleaned with an Acrylic Thinners to wash off any grease such as fingermark's and then painted with a metal Primer first then an undercoat,
Many people choose an Acrylic Red oxide Primer, (It was the colour used by the German Tank industry in their primer/undercoat in WW2),
Cleanliness is very important in the preparation for the painting of your Tank.
.Shaun.

[tomhugill]

1) Put tank on desk

2) Spray tank with fine surface primer.

3) paint tank as desired

[HERMAN BIX]

1- put tank(or part thereof) on paint table outside

2 - Spray with actual self etching red oxide primer.

3- Admire the progress and inhale the aroma