I'm interested in re-painting a Life-Like HO car - what brand/kind of paint is recommended and what surface preparation is required?

I'v read through a bunch of threads, but I can't seem to find the answer. I appreciate your help.

Thanks,

Bob B.

I'm interested in re-painting a Life-Like HO car - what brand/kind of paint is recommended and what surface preparation is required?

I'v read through a bunch of threads, but I can't seem to find the answer. I appreciate your help.

Thanks,

Bob B.

Bob, ( kinda feel like I am talking to myself)

Go grab a couple of junk bodies and try it out first. Then just Shake that rattle can and go for it....Phsssssssssssssssssssht. Go ahead and take that step ( just jump right in). :woohoo: Oooooooooooh and come back here and let us know if you had fun doing it....yeah baby!!

Bob...I think Hilltop, Nuther Dave, Wes and Coach use Krylon...zilla (these are the only people on HT I know...LOL) yeah right...Everyone Wang Chow tonight! :freak:

I have been using Tamiya spray paint. Works ok just remember to stand back a little. If too close the paint goes on too thick and you can lose the detail on the body. Cheap way for a novice to start. I know because I am a novice!

Duplicolor...not "Cry-long"...aka Krylon

Here I 'm using simple car spray paint....the little spray cans, used to repair scratchs on real cars, you can find them in any garage/car parts store.

Why didn't I think of that? Thanks demether.

a lot of good car modelists use this in france. I know professionals that use motorcycle varnish for finishing coat their models too ;)

but every car paint is not so good, someones are really bad. In france, we know the brand names, but unfortunatly it will not help our american or new zealand friends, I guess ;)

I mostly use Testor's spray cans... and then clear coat it with Krylon gloss clear.
Remember, it's better to apply to a few thin coats than one thick coat

I use Duplicolor for the most part. Dries quick and can be clear coated easily. I have used Krylon primer and some of the other brands with acceptable results. Even tried some of those cheapie brands from the -Mart stores with good results. Plus, when I need that particular color I couldn't find, I'll log onto MCW's website and order the color I need.

Maybe it's just the way i learned to paint, but im a brush painter all the way and avoid using the rattle cans.:rolleyes:

Duplicolor and and Plasticote auto paints are the bulk of my arsonal. For candies I use Metalcast colors over either silver or gold metallic base coats. I then either top with a clear coat or Future. Warm the spray bomb under hot tap water... 1 minute under the tap, shake, repeat. (liquid takes longer to warm up than the air temp). I was suprised to find this is even more important in the summer but temps fluctuate more. Make sure you prep the body right. Wash off dirt, oils, fingerprints, etc. dry with a towel that has not been treated. Fabric softeners, aloe on tissue, and the like can leave you with fisheyes. Having fun is the most important part. Don't let an oops let you down. The best of us go through it, and that's what Pinesol is for!! :lol:

Haven't tried it on LifeLike cars, but Windex is a good paint stripper for the decals and numbers.
It also preps the surface. Works great on Tycos, JL, and AFX cars.
AFX also uses painted windshields like LL. Windex doesn't strip the windows.
So, if you want to keep the original window color, tape it off after you strip it with Windex.

Other than that, I use B12 Chemtool or Brake Cleaner.

Rich

(just use the Windex)

Thanks for all the tips! Now I just need some bodies to practice on!

I'm interested in re-painting a Life-Like HO car - what brand/kind of paint is recommended and what surface preparation is required?

I'v read through a bunch of threads, but I can't seem to find the answer. I appreciate your help.

Thanks,

Bob B.

repainting a lifelike?, theres a keen idea, as i cannot find another reason to buy one, lmao..............sorry