Methods of base coat

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What do you guys mostly use to base coat your 1/16 tanks

Air Brush.
5
26%
Rattle can.
13
68%
Spray Gun.
0
No votes
Brush Paint.
0
No votes
Sponge Paint.
0
No votes
Other - list in comments.
1
5%
 
Total votes: 19

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jfulls94
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Methods of base coat

Post by jfulls94 »

Im just interested to see what you guys use. I personally use air brush but im finding it quite slow and painful for laying down the base coat. A

ny tips on any other easy to use methods and where to find them?

I.E. What is a good Rattle can alternitve for Dunkelgelb?

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jarndice
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Re: Methods of base coat

Post by jarndice »

I get my Base coat from car accessory dealers in the shape of "Red Oxide", All German Armour in WW2 used it so why not use it as a base coat for all my armour? It comes in a large rattle can and it is cheap.
I think I am about to upset someone :haha:
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Herr Dr. Professor
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Re: Methods of base coat

Post by Herr Dr. Professor »

I sometimes use a rattle can of RustOLeum red, other times the Vallejo primers (which I cannot distinguish from the Vallejo Model Air versions). The Vallejo primers lay on thinner and are increasingly becoming my preference for base finish coats, too.
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MrChef
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Re: Methods of base coat

Post by MrChef »

I prefer rattle cans at this point. I plan to try the Badger Stynylrez at some time soon with my airbrush but till then I prefer spray cans since they are much quicker and my hand doesn't cramp up and contort into a claw.

I've used Tamiya primer on a whim but decided the price ain't worth it. I could however see it's value on smaller scale tanks.

I've been satisfied with Rustoleum painters touch. That Flat Red is great Factory Red Oxide.

Image

But recently tried this Rustoleum automotive primer that works well on metal, plastic and fiberglass. It's dumb cheap at $6.50 per can. Sprays great, fine mist, lays down smooth and levels well. Dries super quick, 15 minutes and it's sandable. Has a completely flat finish, And I love the dark gray color. It's literally the same color as Tamiya NATO Black.

Image

I'va also read that Lacquer paints like the Tamiya colored spray cans are just fine without a primer because of the way the lacquer chemically bonds with the plastic.

The negatives to spray cans is convenience. I try to spray in good weather with lower humidity for better drying. Airbrush I can spray any time but it takes longer.
Last edited by MrChef on Sat Sep 27, 2025 1:46 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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jfulls94
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Re: Methods of base coat

Post by jfulls94 »

And what would you guys use for the main colour? That correctly represents the true colours of your tanks IE Dunkelgelb ect.

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Martin2556
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Re: Methods of base coat

Post by Martin2556 »

I have had good results using the AK range of paints.
I tend to use just one range of paints for my models, less chance of incompatibility problems.
Rattle Can - DUNKELGELB SPRAY - Ref: AK1023
I have also used the Tamiya paints with good results but find the rattle cans too small for 1/16 models.
Happy Painting :D
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MrChef
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Re: Methods of base coat

Post by MrChef »

jfulls94 wrote: Sat Sep 27, 2025 4:30 am And what would you guys use for the main colour? That correctly represents the true colours of your tanks IE Dunkelgelb ect.
I use an airbrush for that now that I have one. Before I used rattle cans exclusively.
"Charlie don't surf"- Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore
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HERMAN BIX
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Re: Methods of base coat

Post by HERMAN BIX »

Airbrush for all top coat & camo, oh, and tracks
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John Glover
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Re: Methods of base coat

Post by John Glover »

Wii the Rust-oleum stick well to a alloy hull.
Tamiya King Tiger
Tamiya King Tiger [Porsche turret]
Tamiya Tiger 1
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HL/Taigen Stug 111
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jarndice
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Re: Methods of base coat

Post by jarndice »

Rub the whole Tank including Turret, Body and (Metal) Hull with isopropyl alcohol/acrylic thinners and your paint will stick.
I think I am about to upset someone :haha:
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