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Bringing Out the Details

I start building different types of models in different ways. However I begin every kit by looking over the instructions. This helps me to decide how I'm going to proceed. For example, with an armor kit I'll always begin with assembling the hull. Most kits have you start with the suspension but I usually do that last leaving off any side armor that may interfere with its installation 'till after. Then I'll build the turret, then I'll paint the entire kit, then assemble the suspension and tracks. With aircraft I always start by painting the interior parts their base color while still on the sprue. This usually occurs 3 to 5 minutes after opening the box J. I use enamels almost entirely, so after the base interior color is dry I'll spray a coat of Future floor wax over it to seal it in preparation for a wash. This process can be reversed if you use acrylics by sealing with an enamel or lacquer based clear gloss coat. The reason for this is that the barrier of different types of paint prevents the wash from pulling up or blending with the base coat. Gloss is used exclusively because it provides a slick surface for the wash to follow. A flat coat would allow the wash to "bleed" making a mess. His process is also used on armor after the final painting has been done to wash around the details.