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Preparing a wood craftsman boxcar for paint and decaling. Locos and rolling stock
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New member 11 posts motorailer New member 11 posts
motorailer

Good morning everyone

I am finishing up a Labelle boxcar kit, my first craftsmen rolling stock kit, and it occurred to me that I really don't know how to prep in for paint. If it were a plastic kit I'd wash it in soapy water to remove the oils and dry it and airbrush it but are their any special techniques for wood models?

Thank you in advance, what a wonderful resource it is to be able to come to this forum and be able to ask questions from those with  more modeling experience!

Craig
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ctxmf74 Super User 15,948 posts
ctxmf74

 "I really don't know how to

Quote:

 "I really don't know how to prep in for paint. If it were a plastic kit I'd wash it in soapy water to remove the oils and dry it and airbrush it but are their any special techniques for wood models?"

Have you sealed the wood with anything yet? ....DaveB 

1990.jpg 
Read my blog
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motorailer New member 11 posts
motorailer

HI Dave I have not sealed the

HI Dave I have not sealed the model at all, it is as it came from the box.
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Alco_nut Regular poster 401 posts
Alco_nut

Seal the wood

I built a lot of wood car kits, you will want to use sanding sealer on the wood before painting. I use two coats of sealer, and steal wool or super fine sand paper between coats. I had used Scalecoat sanding sealer in the past with very good results. 

Bob

Jersey Northern RR

http://jerseynorthern.webs.com

https://youtube.com/channel/UCyAziSSu5A6d8ojWBiG1xGQ
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Bernd MRH Author 5,594 posts
Bernd

Finished car?

If the car is completely assembled I think you're going to have a tough time sanding it with all the detail parts in place. You should stop over to the Rail Line Forum. Many wood kits are assembled there by members. It's more of kit building oriented forum than here. Although I'm sure there's members here that have done it. They just haven't posted their work.

Bernd

New York, Vermont & Northern Rwy. - Route of the Black Diamonds - NCSWIC
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Wabash Banks Regular poster 471 posts
Wabash Banks

I don't

I don't seal the wood...what does it accomplish?

 
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ctxmf74 Super User 15,948 posts
ctxmf74

"I don't seal the wood...what

Quote:

"I don't seal the wood...what does it accomplish?"

  It helps stabilize the wood  and allows one to get a smoother paint job with less raising of  the wood grain. ....DaveB

1990.jpg 
Read my blog
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RangerRyan Active Member 66 posts
RangerRyan

Prime rather than seal

I use a primer coat of acrylic paint on my wood rolling stock. Yes the cheap craftstore kind. I brush on the paint as follows; red oxide, thinned dark-red/brown, and a lighter red last. After I scuff-sand wear points (door track, behind grab s,etc. The finished cars replicate in service car. Will try to post a picture. RR
R-R

Modeling western desert railroads in HO-scale (Std, HOn3, HOn30, Hon2), in residency at Beatty, NV Museum & Historical Society.
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