Scratchbuilding help

[WVRR]

As you know I'm working on a container ship, and I'm using cardstock as the main building material...I have come across a problem, how do I paint cardstock so that it doesn't look like cardstock? I have the basic structure done, but have run into a dilemna and don't want to add paint until I have a solution.

 

[Bill Stone]

I've spray painted card stock with success.

I primer it first --- a few very light coats. You don't want to get it so wet it warps the card stock. Spray shellac is also an excellent sealer.

Be sure and practice on some waste pieces of the SAME card stock first, so you know what to expect.

Bill S

 

[Matthyro]

I use those crafters acrylic paints, the ones in the little bottles that come in all kinds of colours. They are good for a flat finish. Two or three coats works for me.
For a gloss finish, I use automotive laquer that comes in small spray cans available at Canadian Tire.
Prep work is important as paint won't cover up anything you don't want to see.
As Bill says, try it on a scrap first.
Let us know how you make out Ed.

 

[WVRR]

Thank you for your help guys. I think I have a bottle of puzzle sealer in the spray can somewhere, and I will try it out on a scrap piece and let you all know how it turned out.

 

[sumpter250]

Where you are using card stock to model steel, a clear glaze/varnish/sealer would probably work well.
Pete