Hot Wheels and Matchbox Customizing Thread

[Schwartz]

Normal paint in a spray can works fine. Can get it from Wal-Mart.

Clear coat is not necessary, and I would actually not recommend it for someone that is just starting out.

Model paint can be purchased from a Hobby or craft store. (have any Hobby Lobby's in your area?)

Actually one just opened up! Thanks alot. I'm sure I'll be back with more questions sooner or later.

 

[CodeRedR51]

You should be able to get the spray paint there too. Even model paint in a spray can will work fine, even though it's for plastic models.

 

[Cano]

You should be able to get the spray paint there too. Even model paint in a spray can will work fine, even though it's for plastic models.

Indeed, and it will produce better results than normal spray paint.

 

[Schwartz]

Indeed, and it will produce better results than normal spray paint.

Maybe I'll try that then. I hope I don't suck at painting...

 

[Cano]

YouTube tutorials help a lot.

 

[CodeRedR51]

Hey Cano, here's how that guy made those wheels:

 

[Schwartz]

So, I just went to Hobby Lobby to get that paint. I walk up to the cashier with 2 spray cans and one glass jar thingy of model paint and this is our conversation:

Him: Are you over 18?

Me: Uh... I'm 17...

Him: Oh well. Just don't use it for stuff other than painting.

Me:

 

[CodeRedR51]

That's awesome.

 

[Cano]

Hey Cano, here's how that guy made those wheels:

Oh so he posted them. I forgot to check back. Freaking cool. I was observing the pics of the Datsun yesterday (I saved them) and was thinking precisely that such a barrel was not from any HW tire I had ever seen, so I was thinking custom made or from another make. I'll indeed have to try this stuff, it looks killer. Never again looking for wheels when you can produce such stuff.

EDIT: I'm also thinking, to get such low profile rubber, they might be custom-made, too. Awesome.

 

[Schwartz]

What paint do you use to prime? I am where I found the other testors paint but I don't see anything labeled as primer. Do you just use a white or what?

Edit: Found it. Called Flat gray primer.

 

[CodeRedR51]

Primer color depends on what color you are painting the car. If you plan on painting it a light color, use white. Dark color, either will work.

@ Cano - I wonder where he got those tires? I think he is known for making his own parts though, so they might be completely custom.

 

[Schwartz]

Primer color depends on what color you are painting the car. If you plan on painting it a light color, use white. Dark color, either will work.

Does gray primer work for white paint?

Gray is the only primer I saw...

 

[Cano]

@ Cano - I wonder where he got those tires? I think he is known for making his own parts though, so they might be completely custom.

I'm thinking he may have gotten them off some of these:

these are pretty low profile, altough it would be an amazing coincidence that the aluminum tube he used fitted the tire perfectly fine. I already asked.

 

[CodeRedR51]

Does gray primer work for white paint?

Gray is the only primer I saw...

You might need to do more coats of paint, but I guess it depends on what shade of gray. Some are light, some are dark.

 

[SVX]

Hey Cano, here's how that guy made those wheels:

 

[Schwartz]

How long does it take for paint to dry?

 

[CodeRedR51]

Depends on the paint. I would wait a couple hours to let the primer dry, then you can start painting slowly. 4-5 light coats are better than 1-2 heavy coats. You can wait about 20-30 minutes between coats, then let the last coat sit at least over night before touching it.

 

[Schwartz]

Does the plastic driver need to be primed as well? (I am planning on just spraying it black)

 

[CodeRedR51]

Shouldn't, no.

 

[Schwartz]

Finished the primer. Its drying now. 👍

 

[CodeRedR51]

Did you make sure the top was dry before you flipped it over?

 

[Schwartz]

Did you make sure the top was dry before you flipped it over?

I redid the primer inside my house because it turned bad when it got cold last night in the garage. I'm also going to paint it correctly this time now that I have a better understanding of how paint works.

 

[CodeRedR51]

Remember, several very light coats is better than one heavy coat.

 

[SVX]

Looking good!

 

[commodoreben]

Thats looking great cant wait to see it finished

 

[Schwartz]

How long until you think the primer will be completely dry?

 

[Schwartz]

Done applying primer. Again.

Tomorrow I paint!

How do you suggest painting it? Since it is a formula style car I have to paint both top and bottom. The only way I can think of doing it will take a day just to get one or two coats.
Paint, let it dry completely. Flip car, paint other side, let it dry, etc etc.

 

[Cano]

easy way.

 

[Schwartz]

easy way.

Epic diagram! Considering I don't have any of that stuff, I guess I'll just go the lonnnnnng way.

 

[CodeRedR51]

Cano's diagram is how most people do it. For regular cars I have an old model paint bottle that usually fits inside a car pretty sell, so I use it. May have to go a different route with the Caterham I'm working on.