bmill245 Posted August 22, 2009 Report Share Posted August 22, 2009 I just started a new project last night using WEM paints, and I love them. I don't own an airbrush kit and the only issue I have is that after the first coat the paint started looking "lumpy." There's a streak of dark here, and another lighter streak, then dark again. I put on a second coat, and although it did help, the problem still exists. Any ideas would be appriciated. Thanks. WEM=White Ensign Models Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glynyrd Posted August 22, 2009 Report Share Posted August 22, 2009 I've seen that myself before. It does take multiple coats to cover completely. Here's what I do, maybe it'll help. I thin the paint a little to help with the flow, especially if it's an older jar that's been used before. When I lay the paint down, I use very few strokes to spread the paint, no more than 3-4 strokes, any more will "stress" the paint and cause huge brush strokes to appear when dry. Lay it on thin, using multiple coats. I also give it 12-24 hours to dry out before recoating, sometimes the paint underneath hasn't dried yet, and will pull up when you apply additional coats, which can also cause the streaking you've witnessed. I learned that the hard way. Start with the lightest colors first, working towards the darkest. Hope this helps, and I hope you'll post some pics of your project when you're done! Glenn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantomordie Posted August 22, 2009 Report Share Posted August 22, 2009 Bruahing enamels to me is that its all in the brush. You must have a quality brush. Thinning the paint a little but not too much. I went thrugh several brushes before I found one that laid down a smooth coat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Aldrich Posted August 22, 2009 Report Share Posted August 22, 2009 Also remember, no matter the brushing, thinning, or your abilities. Sometimes you just get a Friday or Monday can of paint. I sprayed my Hummel and the Flat OD was actually semigloss. The paint was fully mixed and I even brushed some onto a test tank and it dried semigloss as well to verify that I hadn't messed up. When I re-fire today, I'll use a different tin. Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LesWalden Posted August 22, 2009 Report Share Posted August 22, 2009 Make sure your paint is well stirred. Don't try to short cut here. Then make sure you have a good quality brush. Brushes are expensive, but if you take care of them, they'll last a long time. Another tip is to brush up and down, not horizontal. Use several light coats. Let them dry completely before you start the next coat or you'll just roll the paint and get lumps. Hope this helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LesWalden Posted August 22, 2009 Report Share Posted August 22, 2009 Mark said: Sometimes you just get a Friday or Monday can of paint. I sprayed my Hummel and the Flat OD was actually semigloss. That's why Clear Flat was invented. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Aldrich Posted August 23, 2009 Report Share Posted August 23, 2009 Les, Unfortunately, you can get a Friday or Monday can/bottle of that as well! Luckily, The clear gloss seems to have at least made it all look good. I'll know for sure after the washes and transfers are applied and get it the flat coat. Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnRatzenberger Posted August 24, 2009 Report Share Posted August 24, 2009 I just started a new project last night using WEM paints, and I love them. I don't own an airbrush kit and the only issue I have is that after the first coat the paint started looking "lumpy." There's a streak of dark here, and another lighter streak, then dark again. I put on a second coat, and although it did help, the problem still exists. Any ideas would be appriciated. Thanks. I also use WEM & love them, but my brushing experience has been spotty at best. Except for quicky touch-ups, I thin about 50-50 and then brush thin coats with plenty of time (24 hr) between coats. I highly recommend test brushing colo(u)r-by-colo(u)r and tin-by-tin as I have had varied results. WEM says brushing should not be an issue -- maybe it's you and I .... I really recommend an airbrush to get the most out of these excellent paints. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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