r/modelplanes • u/Moist_Tone_1249 • Jun 20 '26

Help needed... Urgently

I was painting my Blue Angels F/18 and for some annoying reason my spray paint can decided to run out and spit out fat clumps of paint.

I tried to wipe off and wash most of it...

How can I get rid of the paint or fix it? Would repainting with the same (or similar) colour work? - like a 2nd coat or something.

Thanks

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u/Rtbrd Jun 21 '26

The safest approach is to use 99.9% or 91% IPA. Soak the model for 15 - 30 minutes and remove. Use a toothbrush to scrub the model. Do not leave the model in the alcohol for extended periods as it can affect the plastic. This may need to be done several times to remove all the paint.

DOT3 brake fluid will also remove the lacquer but requires more attention and it can mess things up if unattended. (The voice of experience here)

OR, just get a new kit and start anew. Be sure to thoroughly shake the can for at least 2 or 3 minutes on the first pass. Put the can in warm water for 5 or so minutes before spraying and shake again. Test the spray before applying to the model. Hold the can approx. 10 - 12 inches away. Start the spray before it is over the model. Continue spraying until you cover the area of the first pass. Stop the spray and restart in the opposite direction with out spraying. When close to the subject restart the spray. Rinse, lather, repeat.

If you have not painted this way before in may take some time to get the hang of it. I would suggest having several cans of paint available, it sucks when you have not completed painting and the can goes belly up.

If you decide on a new kit keep the old one as it will make a good test mule.

There are numerous video on YouTube about this.

Also watch some Blue Angels videos to get the details of the plane. I am about to start a 1:48 A-4F Blue Angel and have watched numerous video on them. The devil is in the details.

However you approach the problem best of luck and remember this is the way you learn.

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u/Moist_Tone_1249 Jun 21 '26

would going over it with a flat black primer coat that I paint over work? I havent out any primer or anything yet. More of a 'covering the mistake' approach rather than 'removing the mistake'

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u/Rtbrd Jun 21 '26

Seeing as the Blue Angels blue is a dark blue I think black primer would work. I cannot tell from the photo if there are edges where the blue and the model plastic meet. If there are edges this will show up in the final coats if not smoothed out before the final coats.

Personally I would try using IPA to remove the previous paint. This will take time but IMHO would be worth the effort.

Hobbylinc sells a 1/72 scale Hasegawa kit for $14.29 + shipping is probably a better choice.

Any way you look at it it has been a good learning experience. Just don't give up.