Simple Steps to Better Die-Cast Model Kit Building (click this Link for PDF Version)
STEP 1.) Before starting, always check to make sure all the parts are there and most importantly READ THE INSTRUCTIONS.		STEP 2.) To help with detailing any model, get as much reference material as possible. Great places to start are specialty books, paint manuals, real car photos, internet sites, and old advertisements. This will help in determining what colors and materials will be needed.
STEP 3.) Sort out the parts that will be detailed, and group them according to colors or materials needed to complete the detailing.		STEP 4.) Before any assembly or detailing is started, have a good clean, well organized work space. You need not spend a lot of money for a work space; this work bench was made from an old computer desk.
STEP 5.) There are many aftermarket products available to help in the detailing your model. Find them at your local hobby shop or on the web. Many automotive spray paints, model spray paints, and bottle paints can be used for detailing. Spray plastic and painted surfaces to duplicate real upholstery textures using a clear matte or flat spray. When using bottled paints always use a good quality brush and clean thinner.		STEP 6.) To bring out the detail in parts like front grills use what is called a “wash.” A “wash” is made by mixing 1 part semi-gloss, or flat black enamel paint with a 9 parts thinner. The “wash” will flow into the lower detail, leaving the higher detail to stand out. A standard small paintbrush can be used to apply the “wash” to the part to be detailed.
STEP 7.) After the black wash is applied rub your finger over the higher areas of the part to highlight the detail. Don’t use a rag it will soak up the “wash” in the lower detail and ruin the effect.		STEP 8.) A really great product is Chrome foil. It is a very thin sheet of actual chromed metal with an adhesive backing. It can be added to detail trim areas for a more realistic chrome effect than silver paint. Trim the foil using a hobby knife and a NEW #11 blade. Follow the outside edges of the molding with the point of the blade and remove the excess material. A light touch is all that is needed to cut the foil.
STEP 9.) After trimming the foil, burnish the foil down with a cotton swab. Burnishing also buffs out the foil ands bring out the chrome look. Any extra trimming can still be done, but the excess will be a little more difficult to remove. Wipe any residue from the adhesive off with a soft cloth.		STEP 10.) Let’s turn to the interior and trunk. We wanted to make the rubber floor mats to stand out. First carefully apply a low-tack painter’s tape attached to paper to protect any unwanted over-spray on other parts. Semi-gloss black was used here to simulate a black rubber mat.
STEP 11.) We can go even further and add the look of carpeting is desired, Fuzzy-Fir or flocking can be used. Choose a color that is closest to the desired finished color. Now you need a slow drying flat enamel paint that closely matches the color of your flocking. First brush the paint into all the small areas, paint only about a ¼ of the total area of the floor to be covered. Keep the paint wet and apply the flocking generously over the painted area for coverage, Blow off excess flocking and continue to the same process with each section until the flooring is completed covered. The colors of the flocking can be mixed similar to paint to create the exact color needed to match the interior. Black was used for ease of application and demonstration. After the paint completely dries, gently blow off any remaining loose material.		STEP 12.) Chassis detail can be done with any variety of paint colors. Exhaust pipes are usually darker silver, and the mufflers are silver. The frame can be done in a gloss black. On this model, the factory engine was a gray color.
STEP 13.) A micro-brush can be used with a small amount of thinner to clean up any unwanted smudges. These can be cleaned with paint thinner to be used over again.		STEP 14.) Any small details like this tire valve stem can be painted with a small detail brush using black paint.
STEP 15.) Taillights can be more realistic when they are covered with chrome foil and painted with a clear-red hobby paint where the lens is located. Even painting over the factory applied red paint with a clear-red paint on this model enhances the realistic effect of a lens.		STEP 16.) After the model is assembled; a light coat of car wax can be applied. Use a soft cotton rag made from an old t-shirt to apply the wax and to polish the painted surface.
STEP 17.) Now step back and enjoy admiring your show-quality die-cast model kit!