SPA Modeler

Well this one has been fighting me a bit, so I had to overcome some problems. Everything was going smooth until it was time to put on the gloss coat. I decided to try out the Micro Gloss. Not a good idea. Yes, I had used the stuff back in the 90’s, but that was over different paints. Long story short, the Micro Gloss started to crack as it dried over the Gunze paint. Which had been doing for a day or two. I emailed Micro Scale, but they weren’t too helpful in suggestions, telling me to try mineral spirits or sanding to get the cracked stuff off. Mineral spirits had zero effect (as did Windex and Simple Green), and sanding with fine sand paper started to remove paint quickly before smoothing out the cracks. As a last resort I tried 91% isopropyl alcohol. That stuff removed the Micro Gloss double quick, but it also attacked the Gunze Paint underneath. I tried 75% isopropyl alcohol and had less drastic results. Notice the two wings after clean up



After the holiday interruptions, I resumed work, repainting the affected areas, and decided to go with Tamiya Gloss for my clear gloss prior to decals. Zero problems now…



All ready for decals now. Lesson learned in that I need a new paint mule. I’m using paints and thinners now that I did not use back in the 90’s…

Next update will be markings. I’m trying to get this one finished before the end of New Years Eve…

Bummer. I hate paint issues. Nice recovery though - looking forward to the decals.

Looking better. Sounds like they may have changed the formula. Just as they did with Bare Metal Foil.

keavdog wrote: ↑Wed Dec 28, 2022 5:17 pm Bummer. I hate paint issues. Nice recovery though - looking forward to the decals.

Thanks John. Paint issues are indeed a real PITA, and it’s been ages since I’ve had one like that. Last one I remember was also with Gunze not playing well with Model Master Acrylics… The decals will be easy, since the markings are minimal, in typical Soviet style: Red stars, Bort number, and not much else…

BlackSheep214 wrote: ↑Wed Dec 28, 2022 5:24 pm Looking better. Sounds like they may have changed the formula. Just as they did with Bare Metal Foil.

Thanks Tom. I suspect that a formula change may be the case, as the stuff is made in the Democratik Peoples Repulik of CA, and probably had it forced upon them by the nanny state. When I used it back in the 90’s it was great stuff. Micro Flat on the other hand gave me problems that I didn’t have the patience to deal with at the time. Watch that stuff work flawlessly when I try it again… on a paint mule!

Gunze don’t play nice with Testors Model Master acrylics?? How so? I’ve used both with no issues.

BlackSheep214 wrote: ↑Wed Dec 28, 2022 9:27 pm Gunze don’t play nice with Testors Model Master acrylics?? How so? I’ve used both with no issues.

When I was building my Graf Spee kit years ago. The upper hull above the waterline was painted in Gunze aqueous. Some time later, I can’t remember how many days or more that I went to paint a white false bow wave over the Gunze using Model Master Acrylic. The MMA White cracked in a similar manner over the Gunze. I had to sand it off and repaint the false bow wave.

Paint compatibility is a mystery of the universe. Very unpredictable.

I know Mike (medicman) loves MM Acryl. But I can't stand the stuff. Doesn't stick to Anything, hard to get proper spray mixture. I'm glad I never bought too many bottle 10+-

jeaton01 wrote: ↑Wed Dec 28, 2022 11:33 pm Paint compatibility is a mystery of the universe. Very unpredictable.

That it is.

You have to kill a chicken and sprinkle the blood on the model, paint, thinner, brushes, work area...it is the only way!