I'm getting to the point were i will be starting to paint my first model ( which happens to be a helicopter) I have a basic knowledge of painting which i have picked up reading through forum posts and could bumble through but would be grateful is someone could point me in the right direction for tips so that i can do that little bit better.
also as i am housebound at the moment i sent a mate to the ocal hobbie store for paints and he returned with revell enamals. not having ever used enamels do they need to be thined down at all or can they be applied straight from the tin. this may seem like a stupid question but i dont want to spoil many hours of model building with the piant job

many thanks
Scott #:-)

It depends if you are going to brush it on or spray it on with an air brush. If you are brushing it on mix the paiunt completely and it should be fine. If you think it is too thick mix a little thinner. Not too much at first. You just want the paint to flow smoothly and cover the copter evenly. If you are spraying it with an air brush it should be thinned at least 70% paint to 30% thinner.

many thanks Animal for that
guess i should elaborate a bit i will be painting with a brush, i will try an airbrush in the future when i have mastered hand painting

Scott #:-)

One of the biggest problems with brush painting enamels is dust.

Make sure you get the model clean, careful wiping with damp lint free cloth for instance, and paint in a dust free area. I always have a box, - cardboard shoe box or plastic ice cream container, depending on the size of the model, - and I put the model into it after painting so it can dry without dust or insect life landing on it. Dont wear a wooly jumper that may drop fluff while you are working.(In my other hobby of motorcycling there is a school of thought which recommends painting naked to prevent dust. I dont necessarily subscribe myself.)

Use good quality brushes. Make sure they are clean, and if new, paint a piece of scrap material first to get rid of any loose hairs.

Dont expect to get it perfect first time. Experience is only gained by doing, and each time you paint a model you will get a better feel for the paint and develop your own style.

Good luck.

Regards Dave

Hi there. Using enamels? It is strongly recommended that you work in a room where there is adequate ventilation. For a good measure, wear a mask.

I agree with Kiwi that you have to make sure that your workspace is not very dusty. Dust can be a menace to your nicely-made model kits, especially while the paint is still wet. Be sure to cover them while it's drying up the paint.

As a lil help here i would add that you must "plan" your painting moves cause handling the model while painting can be quite hazardous for the result. Fingerprints show where you didnt think they were before and in generall you should be carefull from the start where you ll put your model so that is easy to acces every point that needs painting. Also take care that enamels when they start to get dry , you should Not by any chance touch or try to correct some mistakes. Leave em 2-3- days to dry completely and then see what you can do if any possible tears of paint or mispainted areas. Be gentle , slow and easy , thats my rule for enamel painting .

:-) Main thing is to make sure the plastic is clean, ie free of mold release oil and oils off your hands, also any other residue that might be present, like that from masking tape. I use Isopropynol (ask for Isopropyl alcohol at your local chemist). I scrub the plastic using an old tooth brush and/or a lint free rag. The Iso' evaporates very quickly, which is why I use it. Alternatively you can just use warm water with a drop or two of washing up liquid added. This method will take much longer to dry. As already mentioned make sure you remove any dust particles, I use a tack rag.
When brush painting do not try and cover in one coat, multiple thin coats are the way to go. Make sure that each coat is dry before applying the next (at least 24 hours, preferably 48). White, red and yellow will always require more coats. A dark camo' colour will require 2 or 3. You can thin Revell paints, quite succesfully with bog standard white spirit. A tip, don't use the paint directly out of the tin. Stir it first, making sure that all the pigment is mixed, transfere a small amount to a bottle cap (clean), and use the paint from there. Before replacing the tin lid, wipe around the opening with a rag, to remove any paint. This will help to preserve the paint as long as possible. Something that I have been told, by someone who uses Revell paints, exclusively, is to add a few drops of thinner to the tin, after taking out the paint. He regularly completely empties tins of paint, so he uses a lot of it. :-)
To sum up:
1. Make sure the plastic is clean.
2. Make sure there is no dust.
3. Use multiple coats instead of one thick one.
4. Post pics of completed model :-)
HTH
Mal

Many thanks for all the top tips guys great help.
the model is for the death from above campaign and rest assured i will be posting pics as it is my first attempt at modelling and dios im looking for constructive tips to improve

Scott #:-)