AlbertD Posted January 1, 2021 Share Posted January 1, 2021 I was at the LHS today browsing around and picked up a 1/12 Tamiya bike. Can you guys suggest a good paint brand for a nice gloss finish? Also going to need a good clear coat. I've been using Tamiya X-22 clear for my military models but I'm not sure it's up to a good clear gloss for a bike or race car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragon Posted January 1, 2021 Share Posted January 1, 2021 Take a look at Zero Paints. scvrobeson and AlbertD 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlbertD Posted January 1, 2021 Author Share Posted January 1, 2021 2 hours ago, Dragon said: Take a look at Zero Paints. I see if I can find some. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragon Posted January 1, 2021 Share Posted January 1, 2021 Hobbyworld USA carries it. AlbertD and scvrobeson 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlbertD Posted January 1, 2021 Author Share Posted January 1, 2021 35 minutes ago, Dragon said: Hobbyworld USA carries it. I was just going to post that I saw them at hobby world but they are pretty low on stock right now. I did manage to order a few colors that should work fine though. Thanks again. I appreciate your suggestion. Dragon 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monthebiff Posted January 4, 2021 Share Posted January 4, 2021 Zero paints are fantastic with a great range of colours for specific bikes. Regards.Andy AlbertD 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlbertD Posted January 9, 2021 Author Share Posted January 9, 2021 On 1/4/2021 at 6:46 AM, monthebiff said: Zero paints are fantastic with a great range of colours for specific bikes. Regards.Andy I just got my order of Zero paints yesterday. They didn't have the exact red I needed so I ordered a couple of other reds. They are just ever so slightlydifferent but one looks pretty close to perfect. The racing blue is just right. I'm sure enjoying the break from airplanes. This has been a really fun kit to build. Oh, it's the new Tamiya 1/12 Honda Fireblade. A really beautiful kit. Dragon 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlbertD Posted January 18, 2021 Author Share Posted January 18, 2021 (edited) On 12/31/2020 at 9:37 PM, AlbertD said: I was just going to post that I saw them at hobby world but they are pretty low on stock right now. I did manage to order a few colors that should work fine though. Thanks again. I appreciate your suggestion. On 1/4/2021 at 6:46 AM, monthebiff said: Zero paints are fantastic with a great range of colours for specific bikes. Regards.Andy I just sprayed my first Zero Paints today and they went down absolutely beautifully. The Italian Red is a great color too. Tomorrow I'll see how the clear coating goes. I have MRP Super Gloss, Mr. Paint gloss and a 2k gloss from MRP. I was thinking of using one of the 1k clears for the pre-decal coat then do the final finish with the 2k stuff. Don't tell the hard core LSP guys but this motorcycle kit has been a blast and I have since bought a few more bike kits and even started a collection of aftermarket goodies. Edited January 18, 2021 by AlbertD scvrobeson and Dragon 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scvrobeson Posted January 20, 2021 Share Posted January 20, 2021 I usually use the 1K gloss for the decal coat, then the 2k over the top on cars. Plus, the 2k allows for polishing without the risks of burning through it like you can find with the 1k stuff. It's okay, I build F1 cars too. Sometimes you need a break from the planes. Matt AlbertD and Dragon 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlbertD Posted January 21, 2021 Author Share Posted January 21, 2021 4 hours ago, scvrobeson said: I usually use the 1K gloss for the decal coat, then the 2k over the top on cars. Plus, the 2k allows for polishing without the risks of burning through it like you can find with the 1k stuff. It's okay, I build F1 cars too. Sometimes you need a break from the planes. Matt Thanks Matt, that's exactly how I will go. The 1k looks pretty nice but it doesn't have that deep crystal clear look that I think the 2k will. I'll do decals tomorrow then give it a day or two and try the 2k. I'll let you guys know how it goes and maybe post a couple of pictures. scvrobeson 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scvrobeson Posted January 21, 2021 Share Posted January 21, 2021 After you do the decaling, you might want to give it a quick wipe with a damp cloth to make sure that you remove any leftover setting solutions or dust. Remember to do multiple coats with the 2K, starting with light tack coats. Usually needs 3-4 before getting that good shine, then it's all down to polishing and processing it Matt AlbertD 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlbertD Posted January 21, 2021 Author Share Posted January 21, 2021 Thanks again Matt. This is sure more involved than aircraft but very rewarding to see the gloss come out. I have a set of guitar polish I plan to try. It finishes with swirl remover that really puts a great shine on a lacquer finish. scvrobeson 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scvrobeson Posted January 21, 2021 Share Posted January 21, 2021 And if you're using a 2K urethane clear, you can machine polish it using a rotary tool and a felt polishing wheel at low-ish RPM. Just be careful on edges, and don't push down. Matt AlbertD 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlbertD Posted January 22, 2021 Author Share Posted January 22, 2021 1 hour ago, scvrobeson said: And if you're using a 2K urethane clear, you can machine polish it using a rotary tool and a felt polishing wheel at low-ish RPM. Just be careful on edges, and don't push down. Matt I'm going to have to learn on a paint mule before I try that but will. Right now I have the MRP 2k but will eventually try the one from Zero and maybe others. I've been doing each step on an old wing before the bike. Will do the same with 2k and polishing. scvrobeson 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scvrobeson Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 Definitely worth testing on a paint mule first, and starting with hand processing and polishing. I prefer the Zero Diamond Coat 2K, but I haven't tested the MRP yet. If you do try machine polishing it, it really needs to be a wireless motor tool, or one that you can really turn the speed down on. My Mini-Dremel is battery powered, and runs at about 7,000 rpm. It's definitely fast enough to work the polishing compounds, but nowhere near fast enough to burn through the clear or burn the plastic. Look forward to seeing your Fireblade. Matt AlbertD 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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