Is it better or easier to paint PE , ie tie down straps and buckles, before attachment.

Any views helpful

If you paint PE before attaching you are only glueing the paint to the model. This is a very weak bond, so i would suggest fixing then glueing.

Andy

I agree with Andy , from my limited experience with PE parts , attaching them to plastic with CA glue isnt the most solid bond you can get to start with so by adding a lawyer of paint into the equation will only result in lots of frustration and the carpet monster having a feast :-)


Ian

Never tried it. and doesn't really sounds like a good idea. so won't try it. But maybe you can try it ?
epoxy glue is an other way.

Best to paint the small parts after you have attached them on the kit. The glue marks and handling would certainly destroy the PE if they are pre-painted.

Attach then paint for me.

Cheers lads

Funny enough I paint then attatch the vast majority of parts on ship models, sometimes over 600 pieces. BUT, if the paint color is the same on both parts and does not involve masking in the vicinity, as on AFV's(or a ship's mast or radar assemblies), I glue first then paint.

You should also lightly sand(no pressure) the fret of PE with 600-800 grit wet or dry(dry) before removing them to maximize paint bonding. If the part is glued on edge, then a light brush of the part's edge on a stationary piece of sandpaper helps a LOT for bonding. They should also be primed before painting(Tamiya spray laquer primer workst the best-I never loose detail nor clog holes on parts like tiny ship deck netting with it). It also helps you get a visual final fit-check before final paint when you prime it.