rubbing compound

[cybersquig]

I was in halfords yesterday picking up some more primer for my models, and I was wondering - the rubbing compounds they sell...They appear to reactivate the surface of the paint to blend imperfections...does this work on minis? could you get a smoother blend by using a teensy bit of this on a surface after painting?

Just a thought

 

[Einion]

Originally posted by cybersquig
I was in halfords yesterday picking up some more primer for my models, and I was wondering - the rubbing compounds they sell...They appear to reactivate the surface of the paint to blend imperfections...does this work on minis?

Rubbing compound is for buffing out scratches and minor wear marks, not to blend.

If it did work on the types of paint we use at all (without rubbing the paint clean off) it would give you a lovely ultra-glossy surface! I used a method like this to polish the metallic paint for a helmet once and I\'ve read of it used for car & aircraft models and some mechas.

Einion

 

[cybersquig]

fair enough I just saw it there on the shelf and it got me wondering that\'s all

Thankee!

 

[Hot Lead]

Yeah, but you could polish underneath the primer before you paint. There are some painters who use a Dremel w/brass wire IIRC to smooth the surface for this purpose. Less pits/roughness = smoother blends...

As long as you\'re careful about it - just use an old toothbrush and a small amount of compound. If you\'re worried it\'ll be too aggressive, try using toothpaste or something similar (chrome polish, etc.)

Take care,
Laszlo
Hot Lead Productions
http://hot-lead.org

 

[mickc22]

yeah i do that, just make sure it is a brass wire brush, and make sure you wear eye protection, \'cause little bits do come off..
..and we all know which direction they\'re headed in



@: Hot Lead
nice youtube vids Laszlo, very teasing

mick

 

[cybersquig]

I have a toothbrush and toothpaste which i use on my models, and some 2400 grit sanding sponges which are good for large surfaces/armour plates etc. What is the advantage of rubbing compound over toothpaste?

 

[Einion]

Originally posted by cybersquig
What is the advantage of rubbing compound over toothpaste?

If you\'re using it for polishing - more abrasive while still very fine. Plus the other ingredients like surfactants can aid the process.

Stainless-steel polish, the creams for cleaning ceramic hobs and auto glass polish are similar - extremely fine grade of very hard abrasives like aluminium or cerium oxide.

Einion

 

[Shawn R. L.]

Originally posted by cybersquig
2400 grit sanding sponges

Here in der States, I can only get sponges at about 250 grit. Where do you get such fine sponges? Jewelry supply?

 

[Einion]

Shawn, can you not find 2500-grit paper or film or just the foam/sponge-backed type?

Einion