The Ship Model Forum

Dear all

I am about to finish my Loyal Class fleet tender (Model Slipway's) and I am still struggling with the painting of the hull. I have read quite some times, that the red oxide part can be painted with car primer spray-cans.

I have used Motip's car primer, which provides beautiful satin color, however, I think it is a bit fragile on items sticking out on the hull (like the ribs on the side of my hull) and... this acryl primer clashes with other model paint such as Revell's satin paints. The upper structure and the black of the ship is painted in Revell. If ever I need to touch up on the red oxide, it makes the Revell crack.

Do you have any recommendation please for solid hull painting? (I also have an airbrush at my disposal). Would you recommend general satin lacquer? any particular brand/type of paints?

Second question: alongside the hull is a white line (waterline): I heard that fine white tape would come off eventually, especially if there are these ribs on the side of my hull. So paint them?

Thank you in advance for helping me with your advise, so I can finish this model and start the next!

Kind regards,

Herman

I use enamel or lacquer based red oxide primer and it sticks very well.
Yes tape will come off at some point, all paint is my suggestion.

The only reason people suggest primer is its a convenient and cheap option. Primer isn't really the best paint to use on a working model because most primers breath. That being said, I do use it without any issue.

I typically build larger RC models, so to avoid tedious airbrushing, I try and stick to compatible paint type spray cans.

One option for you would be to lay a clear coat over the finish that will seal and strengthen the primer and protect the revell paint. Testers dull coat has always been a favourite, but there are many brands available. There are so many variations of formulas nowadays that I can't really recommend one over the other. Krylon, pledge floor polish, tamiya, you'll have to try one to see how it works. An acrylic should do the job, but testers is lacquer, so there are options.

A second option is find or mix a revell version of the hull colour and airbrush it on, hopefully over the primer.

Good luck!

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Darren (Admiral Hawk)
In the not so tropical climate of the Great White North.

I typically use those red oxide primers, but the trick is to spread over matte varnish from common household rattlecan brands.
The varnish binds the surface, and gives at least some protection from scratches.

Br:VilleH

I would simply give a coat of varnish or two.

Concerning white band, you shall think about using decals and give one more coat of varnish over them to seal them.

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Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead! - David Glasgow Farragut