Introduction
Painting is one of the most fun things to do when creating a miniature railway. It transforms a basic, generic plastic or metal model into a stunning, individualized piece that is eye-catching in the collection. A painted model can also elevate a mini world to come alive, full of character and warmth. Unfortunately, painting isn’t as easy as it sounds. Even the best hobbyists inadvertently make mistakes in the form of drips, runs, uneven coverage, and peeling paint.
The good news is that most of the painting mistakes we mentioned are easily correctable with the right pointers and techniques. In this blog, we will present you with condensed tricks to fix painting errors on your train models and some simplistic modeling techniques to help avoid future errors. We will also discuss the best model railroad paints, the tools you should own, and how to best prepare your models before the painting process begins.
Whether you are starting on your first painted model train or improving on your current skills, this blog will help put you on the right track to create clean, professional-quality miniature trains. And if you are just looking for professional-quality painting or repairs, you will learn why Maadhu Train Miniatures has such a strong, trusted name in the hobby.
Why Do Painting Mistakes Happen?
Understanding how mistakes happen will help you to avoid them and resolve them quickly. Here are common mistakes that can affect your painting project:
- Applying paint too thick: When paint is applied too thick, it will take much longer to dry, which can cause problems like runs or uneven texture.
- Applying the Wrong Type of Paint: Wall paint and craft paint do not adhere properly to plastic or metal and can easily crack and peel.
- Forgetting to Apply Primer: Without primer applied before the paint, it will have a very poor bond, and sometimes, chipping paint.
- Rushing the Painting Process: Not letting the paint dry thoroughly before recoating can lead to smudges or peeling.
- Lighting and Dust Particles: Dust particles settling on wet paint and poor lighting can hide surface imperfections.
Now, let’s discuss frequently made mistakes along with their solutions.
Common Painting Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Uneven Paint Coating: Fixing it Up
Uneven coverage is typically due to either patchy or rough paint. This indicates that the paint was applied too thickly or not placed on some spots at all.
How to fix it:
First wait until the paint has dried fully. If you try to repair it while still wet, you can do more harm than good. Once it is dry, sand the uneven or rough areas lightly with fine-grit sandpaper (600-1000 grit). Sand lightly in circular motions until the surface feels smooth.
Now, clean the surface with a soft cloth to remove any dust. Now apply paint in thin and even layers. Thin and even coats are always preferred as opposed to one thick coat. Thin coats allow you to build up a smooth coat of color over the entire surface and avoid the drips, runs, and brush strokes.
Additional Tip: If you have access to use an airbrush to apply paint, you will be able to achieve super smooth and even coverage, especially on large surfaces.
What to Do When Paint Runs or Drips
Paint runs and drips spoil the detail and look of your model, and they are caused when you overload your brush or spray too close to the surface.
How to fix it:
Wait until the paint is completely dry. Then carefully scrape off the drips with a hobby knife or sand them down with fine sandpaper. Be careful not to damage the details below.
After you have finished cleaning down the area, clean off the dust and repaint the part using very thin layers of paint in the future, and keep the brush or spray can a little further away from the surface so you don’t overload the layer again.
Pro Tip: Paint in thin layers and allow plenty of time for drying between layers to avoid runs in the first place.
Using the Wrong Paint? Here’s How to Fix It
Using the wrong paint is a common mistake to make as a beginner. Standard craft or wall paints either do not stick to the model surface or can crack, peel, or fade.
How to fix it:
Follow these steps to follow if you accidentally used the wrong paint. First, remove the wrong paint, but you have to be careful. Just take a cotton swab with a little isopropyl alcohol or a paint remover that is safe for models and rub the paint remover into the paint you want to remove from the model.
If you know your model is plastic, just don’t use anything too strong that will melt the plastic! Once the paint has been stripped, wash the model with water and a small amount of mild soap, and dry the model. Now you can put on the appropriate primer. Use only the best, specifically manufactured model railroad paints, washer paints made for plastic, metal, or resin models, if applicable.
Forgot to Use Primer? No Worries, Fix It This Way
Primer is important because it aids your paint to stick well and provides a smooth base. When paint is applied directly to a surface without primer, paint may easily peel, crack, or look uneven.
How to fix it:
If you painted without primer, take a medium to fine (150-220) sanding sponge or sandpaper and lightly sand the painted surface to give it some grab. Clean the dust and then apply a thin coat of primer. Allow it to dry completely.
Now you can repaint your project with your chosen paint, knowing it will stick well and hold!
Smudged or Peeling Paint: Simple steps to fix
Smudging occurs when touching wet paint, peeling is usually due to the paint improperly adhering.
How to fix it:
Allow the paint to dry completely. Use fine sandpaper to smooth out the smudged or peeled areas and clean off the dust.
Apply a new thin coat of paint over the repaired area. Make sure to use primer where appropriate and allow adequate drying time between coats.
Extra Tip: When handling freshly painted models, wear gloves to avoid any fingerprints or smudges.
Best Advice to Avoid Painting Mistakes Next Time
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Here are a few useful habits that can improve your painting:
- Use thinner coats: Thicker paint can cause drips and produce uneven surfaces. Thin coats dry quicker and will generally be smoother.
- Always use primer: This will seal the surface and give a better base for paint to grip onto.
- Use the right paint: Use paint that’s designed for models specifically, such as acrylic model paint or enamel specifically designed for model trains.
- Be patient: Make sure that every coat of paint is fully dry before applying another coat.
- Work in a clean and bright environment: When you paint in a dust-free environment with good bright lighting, you will help ensure you do not miss any potential errors.
- Practice on spare parts: Test your new paint or technique on spare parts or scrap models so you have the practice down pat before painting your main model.
- Use good tools: Fine brushes, airbrushes, and good sanding paper make painting easier and produce better results.
Essential Tools You Need to Fix and Improve Painting
- Fine brushes to touch up and detail
- Sandpaper (600 – 1200 grit) to sand
- A hobby knife to scrape the excess paint
- Cotton swabs and soft cloths for cleaning
- Isopropyl alcohol or a model-safe paint remover
- Primer for your model’s material
- Model railroad paints or model train paint
- Clear coat or varnish to seal the paint and protect paint
These tools will make fixing mistakes and painting new models a lot easier.
Why Choose Maadhu Train Miniatures for Expert Train Model Painting?
Sometimes, the act of painting can be daunting, no matter how hard you try or if you want a professional finish on your prized models, which is where Maadhu Train Miniatures can help you out.
Maadhu Train Miniatures provides, without a doubt, the best scale model paintwork, detailing, and repairs. Through inventive modeling techniques and premium model railroad paints, Maadhu Train Miniatures can provide realistic, detailed, and professional-looking models. They can do everything from complete custom paint jobs with custom Flair, weathering or aged effects to simple restoration work for valuable models, finished professionally using skillful techniques and care.
When you choose Maadhu Train Miniatures, you receive superior craftsmanship without the aggravation of having to fix your own mistakes. The staff at Maadhu Train Miniatures understand the passion of model train hobbyists and facilitate the miniatures in the hobbyist’s miniature world.
Conclusion
Painting your train models allows you the opportunity to unleash your creativity and bring your miniature railway to life. Mistakes will inevitably be made; uneven paint, drips, and smudges are all part and parcel of the process, but please do not panic, this is not the end of the world. By using a few simple tricks like sanding, careful re-painting, combined with using the right tools and paints, the majority of issues can be fixed very quickly and easily.
Remember to always use a primer, paint in thin layers, and allow appropriate time for drying. Patience is an important component to remember, and do not rush through the process. Lastly, remember to always work in a nice, clean, and shiny workspace, as mistakes can be reduced by working in an appropriate space. When in doubt or aiming for that outstanding finish, there are professional services that can achieve the best results, such as Maadhu train miniatures.
Keep practicing, take what you’ve learnt from your mistakes, and soon your models will be looking as beautiful as you pictured them to be!