First time painting resin

[pnance26]

I have questions about painting resin as I have many pieces to do from two kits (soon to be three). I need a step by step tutorial please.

I know about prepping resin by giving it a Polident bath and rinse.

After that, is it necessary to do any kind of sanding?

Then, let’s talk primers. I’m using MCW paints most likely which are acrylic lacquers. No thinning is needed. But should be used as a primer? Should I use MLT in the primer or in the paint itself?

The paint is on so now I polish? With? Do I use clear now?

When do decals go on? And do they get a clear coat as well?

I know it’s a ton of questions but I’m willing to learn!

I’m used to just rattle cans on styrene and so resin is all new to me!

[tatocorvette]

Hi,

After a good wash and a light sanding, I treat resin just like plastic. I use the same primer, paints, etc. The only difference is that I'm always looking for fisheyes in the primer or very first coat of paint that would indicate the surface is still not fully cleaned. Very rarely, on less that stellar quality resin, you may get a soft spot where the resin may have not cured completely. A dab of putty over it will solve that.

Thanks,
Ismael

[Chris K. Hale]

After a first Primer coat look very closely for Bubbles in the Resin, most casters use a Vacuum pot that gets rid of them but they are easy too fix. First way, drill out the bubble clean with lacquer thinner or 90% Alcohol real well then fill with a non shrinking body filler, Tamiya, Bondo Spot Putty or similar, sand, prime , sand on and on until the bubbles is gone and the surface ultra smooth. Second way, after priming, drill out the bubble, clean real well again with Lacquer or 90% Alcohol. Mix a small amount of C/A , Super Glue or similar medium to slow drying "GEL" works best mix with some Baby Powder or Talc power, These require very small amounts, mix quickly as it will set really fast, apply to hole that was bubble and allow to dry, this method takes some trial and error but I use it a lot. Once dry usually just a few minutes begin the sand, prime, sand etc....again. I like to use Automotive grade paints, Duplicolor, or the local Parts store mixes me a spray ready Pint for around $15.00 to paint my resin bodies. I also use a lot of Tamiya Spray cans ( lazy?) they both work great with minimal polishing and sanding. Dont attempt to paint these paints in Temperatures above 94 Degrees out. it will dry too Fast and orange peel. Finish paint with Testors 1834 Ultra Clear paint. It has a UV component that will make the paint lay down better and less polishing.. That's is what I do with resin.... well most plastic too... Chris