The Official Armortek Forum - World leader in one sixth scale metal kits

I am a newbie here. last Friday I ordered the gun limber and 25 pdr kits and I am looking forward to getting them. Plus I have started to save for the gun tractor for when ever it comes out.
My question is what is the best way to paint these models? Before assembly or after assembly? what kind of primer to use, would the spray cans of automotive (red, gray, black or white) be good primers?
I intend to see if I can manage painting them as Canadian equipment so what is the correct colour and should it be matt, semigloss or gloss?

Hi John, and welcome.

I think the usual procedure is to test build the kits raw first, to work out how it all goes together etc, and to make any tweaks and fitting adjustments.

Then strip down again and clean thoroughly, to remove any grease etc.

Then rub down with a fine of grade wet'n'dry paper to provide a key for the paint and prime.

Steel parts can be primed with red oxide primer, aluminium parts should have a mist coat of an acid etch primer first.

From there, it depends if you're going to use rattle cans, spray gun or airbrush.

Adrian.

Thanks for the info. That is a start. At present I am interested in the primer first and will see about the finishing colour after all that is done.