F-16 "Aggressor"

[Wig41]

This was done almost exactly a year ago, it was shortly after "returning" to the hobby and I was trying to use modern techniques (like enamel/oil washes) of the type I had never tried before. The learning curve bit me, and it took several more failures to figure out what I was doing wrong. Bottom line, my clear coats were not applied thick enough. I'm a chronic case of spraying thin coats of thinned paint, I stand by that approach for color coats and post-shading effects. I was concerned with filling in surface detail with clear acrylic, so I ruined a few paint jobs. I did stop using those AK clears, never had good results with them, but I accept the blame, it is not the brand or the product at fault. Since then I am using Tamiya X-22 for my gloss clears, put the stickers and washes on that using mild solvents then clear matte with good old Testors.

I was going to use this kit as a mule, but could never bring myself to. I had put a detail set in the cockpit and didn't want to waste that. So I used some recommended purple-bottle cleaner to strip the paint. That did not work as well as I hoped so I broke out the easy-off oven cleaner.

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Then I purchased a new set of stickers, I do intend to at least tray and resurrect this kit, someday.

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I admit I'm a bit scared of the splinter version of the white-gray-black paint.

I feel the same way as you when it comes to the clear coats. I don't want so much that it fills the seams and panel lines to the point that washes are useless. When I read of another build and they do a clear coat after each weathering technique it amazes me that the panel lines aren't filled completely. Yet somehow there builds are magnificent. Oh well … try and try again.

 

[Edbert]

Just showing that I have not in fact given up on this yet. Not exactly "on the bench", but I do not give up, I just put thing aside, sometimes for a long time

 

[Wig41]

Wow, you got that down to the plastic? Using easy off ?! I have an F-4 that has been soaking in a mix of simple green concentrate and 91% alcohol for a week trying to remove paint and decals to repaint it but very little has happened yet this is a mix that was a recommendation from fellow modelers. I guess I should try your method cause you have amazing results. And I would agree with you that it should sit idle for a good long time.

 

[Edbert]

Wow, you got that down to the plastic? Using easy off ?!

Yes.

I tried using "Super Clean" in the purple bottle. It did work, a little, as in slowly.

But there were places where I was scrubbing a lot with a soft toothbrush and there were spots that were pretty stubborn. My issue might be that there was a base layer of Mr. Surfacer (lacquer right?), with acrylic color and clear, then some enamel and some oil and some turpentine and some decals. Had it all been Taniya XF then 99% isopropyl might have been enough.

Easy Off removed it far quicker, but that stuff just smells toxic. I used a respirator and gloves and was worried they might dissolve. It does wash off with water, which is (I guess) how it is considered safe to eat off a grill after using it.

 

[Wig41]

Yes.

I tried using "Super Clean" in the purple bottle. It did work, a little, as in slowly.

View attachment 154839

But there were places where I was scrubbing a lot with a soft toothbrush and there were spots that were pretty stubborn. My issue might be that there was a base layer of Mr. Surfacer (lacquer right?), with acrylic color and clear, then some enamel and some oil and some turpentine and some decals. Had it all been Taniya XF then 99% isopropyl might have been enough.

Easy Off removed it far quicker, but that stuff just smells toxic. I used a respirator and gloves and was worried they might dissolve. It does wash off with water, which is (I guess) how it is considered safe to eat off a grill after using it.

View attachment 154841

Thanks for filling me in on the Easy off. I'll try that next.

 

[Rockin' Rob]

This was done almost exactly a year ago, it was shortly after "returning" to the hobby and I was trying to use modern techniques (like enamel/oil washes) of the type I had never tried before. The learning curve bit me, and it took several more failures to figure out what I was doing wrong. Bottom line, my clear coats were not applied thick enough. I'm a chronic case of spraying thin coats of thinned paint, I stand by that approach for color coats and post-shading effects. I was concerned with filling in surface detail with clear acrylic, so I ruined a few paint jobs. I did stop using those AK clears, never had good results with them, but I accept the blame, it is not the brand or the product at fault. Since then I am using Tamiya X-22 for my gloss clears, put the stickers and washes on that using mild solvents then clear matte with good old Testors.

I was going to use this kit as a mule, but could never bring myself to. I had put a detail set in the cockpit and didn't want to waste that. So I used some recommended purple-bottle cleaner to strip the paint. That did not work as well as I hoped so I broke out the easy-off oven cleaner.

View attachment 154764

View attachment 154763


Then I purchased a new set of stickers, I do intend to at least tray and resurrect this kit, someday.

View attachment 154765

I admit I'm a bit scared of the splinter version of the white-gray-black paint.

Ooh,I like that white gray black Splinter version. That does look difficult. I might try that on mine

 

[Rockin' Rob]

Wait until you see the newer version...

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Excellent pictures. That is awesome. I'm going to paint mine exactly like one of those. I think I'm going to go with the top picture. I wonder what the bottom looks like? I think looking at the top picture it wraps around.

 

[Edbert]

I wonder what the bottom looks like? I think looking at the top picture it wraps around.

I'll try to take some pictures for ya.

 

[Edbert]

Less than ideal, but here ya go.

 

[Rockin' Rob]

Hey, thank you. Now I can be a bit more accurate. Nice