"Paint then build or build then paint?" Topic

I have always built my plastic models then painted. Does the paint affect the plastic cement bonding the 2 parts together?

I build then paint. Whether painting first impairs the glue depends on what you're using, but generally yes it affects it, and if you're using polystyrene cement then it's a huge yes – that bonds by chemically melting the polystyrene, so is pretty useless if there's no exposed polystyrene to melt….

Build then paint

Agree, build, then paint, generally.

However, for some small, fiddly components, it is sometimes wise to paint them on the sprues, and then touch them up after gluing. You can remove the paint, if needed, by scraping with the back of a razor knife, to glue, as desired.

Same as Mako.

It's very situational. Sometimes one way, sometimes the other.

Yes.

I paint while I build. I'll prepaint some things, the assemble others and then paint.

Build then paint. But recently when assembling some Zulus I figured out it was easier to paint their faces before attaching their arms…..

Build then Paint!

Funny this, it reminds me of Garibaldi and Sinclair in a shuttle (Babylon 5, season 1)discussing if they fasten then zip, or zip then fasten…..!!!

As several have noted--it depends. Spears: attach first; shields: paint first. Perry Napoleonics: paint first--there is so much fine detail, I find getting good access to all the fiddly bits really speeds things up.

Build then paint !

Phil

Build then paint

Build then paint with the exception that every now and then there is something that would be too much of a pain in the butt to paint after building so very rarely I paint parts of something first

Build then paint. It doesn't bother me if I can't reach a spot to paint that I can't see.

Yes, painting first will prevent the glue from properly bonding the parts. And don't be one of those fools who uses superglue to put together a plastic kit!!! You need plastic cement.

Depends on the model. If there are parts that will be hard to reach after building, paint first. Otherwise, I usually build first.

That's how I usually do it too,put it together,then paint 'er up.

Started out as a modeller building aircraft and there are things you have to paint before building like the cockpit, so I'm used to paint and build, but if you can paint everything you need to fully built I will do that. Helicopters required a lot of internal painting while building due to the large glazed areas. Airfix C-130 too as the cargo bay is visible through the large rear doors. Lovely model though.

Usually build then paint, unless there is detail that will be visible once built that won't be paintable, like the inside of a transport craft.

@Ivan DBA what is wrong with using superglue?