A backscene is an essential component of a model railway layout, providing a visual backdrop that enhances realism...
Cart 0 Product Products (empty)
No products
Free shipping! Shipping
£ 0.00 Total
Product successfully added to your shopping cart
Quantity
Total
There are 0 items in your cart. There is 1 item in your cart.
Total products (tax incl.)
Total shipping (tax excl.) Free shipping!
Total (tax incl.)
Search Tips
Tips categories
Latest Tips
-
What is the purpose of a backscene?Read more -
What colour was the underside of a RAF Spitfire painted?Read moreThe underside colour of a Royal Air Force (RAF) Spitfire is an iconic aspect of its camouflage and getting it right...
-
What are greeblies?Read moreIn the world of scale modelling, greeblies (or "greebles") refer to small, intricate details you add to your models...
-
What is the difference between plastic cement and plastic glue?Read moreThe difference between plastic cement and plastic glue lies primarily in how they work and the type of bond they...
-
What is balsa glue and how do I use it?Read moreBalsa glue is a specialised adhesive designed specifically for bonding balsa wood. It's often the preferred choice...
What glue and paint should I buy for my Airfix kit?
Most Airfix kits do not include any paint or glue, if you are not used to making models this may seem like a bit of a con, but there is a valid reason for the absence of these important materials and that is that most modellers have very different ideas about how they wish to construct and finish their models. For those who would rather have everything in one box, starter sets do include paints, glue and sometimes brushes too, but if you have made the decision to progress to harder kits you will be faced with having to select your own.
Which glue to use when constructing a kit will keep modellers happily debating till the end of time, there are many different types of glue possessing qualities that excel in different areas, the best advice is - if it works for you then carry on, but, for those with less experience, a good place to start is a plastic glue such as Plastic Cement or Plastic Magic. These kinds of glue "melt" the plastic parts together to provide a very neat and strong bond and are clean and easy to use.
What colour to paint your model is a personal choice but kits without included paints will have a key included in the instructions to point you in the right direction should you need a little inspiration. If you decide to completely go it alone with your paint selection you should be aware that there are two main different types of paint, enamel (an oil-based paint) and acrylic (a water-based paint). Either are fine but it should be heeded that the two types should not be mixed and acrylic can be more easily removed (while still wet) should you make any little mistakes.
The final consideration when choosing paint is what finish you would like to see on your model, you can choose a shiny glossy finish or a flat dull one. These effects can be achieved in two ways by either choosing a paint that dries to the desired effect in the first place or by applying a clear flat or gloss lacquer over your paintwork to change it to the desired effect.
Having to choose your own paint may seem scary at first, but there's not much to know that's important, most of the choice comes down to personal preference, so don't be afraid to give it a go.
Click here to receive the tips weekly in your mailbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Related products
Plastic Magic 10 Second Cement (40ml)
Price: £ 8.75Plastic Magic 10 Second Cement (40ml) A thin liquid plastic cement with a...
Related posts
-
Do I need to wash my plastic kit?I personally wash all my plastic kits, I use warm soapy water (Washing up liquid) and a light rub over with a nail... - Do I need to use a primer?For best results it is advisable to use a primer as this will stick to the plastic and give a uniform coat of paint...
- What is Milliput?Milliput is a two-part epoxy putty. There are two different colour rolls in a box when these are mixed together it...
- What is weathering?Weathering is a painting technique used by modellers to create the appearance of dirt and grime and even damage to...
- What modelling tools do I need to get started?Most modellers have an extensive tool kit, a tool for every eventuality. But when first starting a scalpel or a...