Hot Paint Tip for Professionals only

A potentially dangerous but great way to get the most out of your precious $$$ can of Mr. White Surfacer 1000 is to  make a 'Hot Can', which will keep that mix in suspension as that can holds the increased pressure from the extra heat.  It really makes a difference, especially when using these fine Primer-Surfacers which need to lay down smooth without washing out detail. A hot can sprays a finer, more intensely vaporized spray, which lays down smooth as glass, lacquer hard as iron, but not 'Hot' in a chemical sense, that the solvents in the finishes you use literally melt the vacu-formed wraps.

I have found the Mr. Hobby line of products to be exceptional in coverage, consistency, and workability.  The products lay well from airbrush, can, and even brush. With such a large area to cover, I elected for can for consistency and appearance, using airbrush and hand brushing for the finest of details.

Now for the ugly legal stuff:

Don't try this at home. The techniques described here are performed under controlled conditions, by a professional with years of experience in the application of lacquer model finishes.  The combination of heat and pressure can go horribly wrong if your dumbass dosen't do it right. So no crybabies..

Part One

Let's Lay Some Primer

Primer is a must-have for any project of this magnitude. Since the model will be exposed to the elements, and subject to launch and recovery, the finish not only has to look good, it must also be a part of the model itself, acting as another layer of strength and protection to The Saturn V Launch Vehicle. That is why I chose a Lacquer finish, it will not only stand up to the rigors of construction unlike a water-based acrylic, it will also have superior hardness and sandability. I can also use acrylics on the details and any acrylic clear will not attack the Lacquer undercoats.

What you'll need

1. A glass batter bowl, which provides for an even heating of the water, a great heat sink for re-warming the can, and a stable platform that is less prone to tip-over and spillage.

2. An accurate chef's grade pocket thermometer. Again, since we are working with heat and pressure, accuracy is very important, so now your temperature, know your pressure.

3. (2) Tea or hand towels.  Two functions. a) Insulates the glass bowl containing the hot water. (b) Prevents any flying shards if the glass happens to shatter, even the best ones do (legal stuff!:)

4. Can of finish, primer or topcoat; Lacquer

What to do

Place the can of paint into the batter bowl. fill with water to the 1/3 level of the can, or just before the water affects the can's buoyancy. (the can will get LIGHTER as product is sprayed, so not too much water.)

Warm the bowl and water in a low power microwave for 4 minutes. The point here is to use the bowl of water as a heat sink, warming the can and keeping it warm.) The water should be no hotter than 120 deg. F Anything above that temperature risks failure of the can.

Wrap the bowl in the towel, placing that on another towel. Put can in the bowl. The can, will take alot of slow heat, so let it warm right up. It should feel hot to the touch, but will not burn you when held in your bare spraying hand.

You will notice right away that the mist is stronger and adhesion is better. This will be especially apparent with a Lacquer finish. The second and subsequent coats will lay better and 'melt' easier into the previous coats, providing a tougher and more detailed look.

So hey Kiddoes, get out there and 'Hot Can' your next model!

Steve

Editor's Note: There are no towels in the pictures for purposes of clarity.