Stencil spray or brush

jnissen · Post by **jnissen** » Thu Oct 17, 2019 11:59 pm

Going to apply the stencils for our M38A1 this weekend. I see an online video showing a brush or roller to apply the white enamel. I was originally going to spray it with a white enamel. Is either method acceptable or one preferred over the other?

Second question... is rattle can flat enamel ok over the OD enamel? I may have to try a test piece to verify compatibility. Last thing I need is the OD paint curling or crazing under the white.

Post by **wesk** » Fri Oct 18, 2019 12:23 am

I've applied them both ways, spray & brush and both can work. It is not so much the application process that should concern you as it is the chemical structure of the paint you are using. The only place to get a really safe accurate assessment of which works with which is from the manufacturer of each paint you wish to use.

Pressurized can, compressor charged air sprayer or airless sprayer makes little difference in compatibility. Method of application affects finish primarily.

No matter how you choose to determine compatibility of the paints, a test panel is always the final assurance prior to mixing paints on your project.

Nic · Post by **Nic** » Fri Oct 18, 2019 2:07 pm

I used a small amount of sponge ( like the stuff you use for washing dishes!!!!)
Dipped the flat portion in pant and dabbed it on over the top of the stencil, this method gives a nice finish.

Nic

Beast · Post by **Beast** » Fri Oct 18, 2019 2:45 pm

A lot depends on the type of stencils you are using. Paper or oil board stencils that don't stick to the surface to create a seal, work best with brushing or rolling in light coats so that the paint doesn't seep under. If you spray with this type of stencil, you usually end up with soft edges and a lot of blow under from the pressure of the paint spray getting under the stencil. For paint mask set that are made of a decal like material that fully stick to the surface, then you can go either way. I prefer with paint masks to just use cans of the cheap white paint from the hardware store. The key to any of them is to use light coats and build up the layers.

If you want to see a how to for paint masks, you can check out this link from my decals website; http://www.deltateamdecals.com/paint-mask-how-to.html

jnissen · Post by **jnissen** » Fri Oct 18, 2019 9:38 pm

Good to know. Hopefully will get this knocked out this weekend. Thanks for links.