Advice on model kits to build with my dad?

[rbeach84]

One thing to keep in mind for all injection molded kits: They need a bath! Soft toothbrush aka 'worn' plus warm water (not hot!) and dishwashing detergent. Take care not to lose anything down the sink drain (I use a wire strainer as a 'catch bin') while washing all sides and the sprues (to prevent re-transfer of the mold release compounds), then a thorough rinse and set out on a towel to drain/dry. You can do a bit of gentle towel drying to speed it up, just be careful of knocking stuff off the sprues. Also - keep any decals and paper pieces clear of the washing area!

Many a paint job has been spoilt by contaminants on the surface, and the mold release is one that is 'sneaky'. And once you've finished with construction, another wash is a good idea to remove finger oils for the same reason.

I know it is a very basic thing, but keeping things clean helps the paint adhere, as can some 'rubbing down' with a Scotchbrite pad to give some 'tooth' for the paint to hold on to. I often will have a wash session for any new kit, which then goes into the box for later build, putting a mark on the box bottom so I know I've 'pre-washed'...
Cheers! Regards, Robert

 

[greenmachines]

One thing to keep in mind for all injection molded kits: They need a bath! Soft toothbrush aka 'worn' plus warm water (not hot!) and dishwashing detergent. Take care not to lose anything down the sink drain (I use a wire strainer as a 'catch bin') while washing all sides and the sprues (to prevent re-transfer of the mold release compounds), then a thorough rinse and set out on a towel to drain/dry. You can do a bit of gentle towel drying to speed it up, just be careful of knocking stuff off the sprues. Also - keep any decals and paper pieces clear of the washing area!

Many a paint job has been spoilt by contaminants on the surface, and the mold release is one that is 'sneaky'. And once you've finished with construction, another wash is a good idea to remove finger oils for the same reason.

I know it is a very basic thing, but keeping things clean helps the paint adhere, as can some 'rubbing down' with a Scotchbrite pad to give some 'tooth' for the paint to hold on to. I often will have a wash session for any new kit, which then goes into the box for later build, putting a mark on the box bottom so I know I've 'pre-washed'...
Cheers! Regards, Robert

I am late to the game on that one and yet told someone 3 days ago to not forget mold release on their sculpture and cast. Thank you for this.

 

[EgroegSacul87]

For Star Wars kits I cannot recommend Bandai enough. They go together easily without having to fiddle with the pieces forever and usually don't need any glue. Both their vehicle kits and character kits are great. I've built a number of their kits and really enjoyed them. I really recommend their 1/72 scale T-65 X Wing kit. Their 1/12 Din Djarin, Original Trilogy Boba Fett, and Stormtrooper kits are phenomenal as well!

 

[sparkmatter]

One thing to keep in mind for all injection molded kits: They need a bath! Soft toothbrush aka 'worn' plus warm water (not hot!) and dishwashing detergent. Take care not to lose anything down the sink drain (I use a wire strainer as a 'catch bin') while washing all sides and the sprues (to prevent re-transfer of the mold release compounds), then a thorough rinse and set out on a towel to drain/dry. You can do a bit of gentle towel drying to speed it up, just be careful of knocking stuff off the sprues. Also - keep any decals and paper pieces clear of the washing area!

Many a paint job has been spoilt by contaminants on the surface, and the mold release is one that is 'sneaky'. And once you've finished with construction, another wash is a good idea to remove finger oils for the same reason.

I know it is a very basic thing, but keeping things clean helps the paint adhere, as can some 'rubbing down' with a Scotchbrite pad to give some 'tooth' for the paint to hold on to. I often will have a wash session for any new kit, which then goes into the box for later build, putting a mark on the box bottom so I know I've 'pre-washed'...
Cheers! Regards, Robert

goodness gracious that explains a LOT about my struggles with priming the airfix kit... it was like the plastic was actively allergic to paint haha, must have been mold release