What makes Build + Paint so fascinating?
Classic model making is much more than just a hobby - it is deceleration, creative expression and craftsmanship in its purest form. The concept of Build + Paint stands for the authentic model building experience: You take each individual casting in your hand, carefully remove components, deburr edges, glue components with millimeter precision and give the finished work character with a tailor-made paint job. While plug-in systems like Build Play Focusing on quick, uncomplicated building fun for the youngest, Build + Paint is aimed at everyone who wants to design the entire creation process from scratch themselves.
In our daily work with models, we see again and again how much satisfaction there is in creating a true miniature of reality. Whether historic fighter planes, legendary super sports cars, maritime giants or fascinating spacecraft: every kit tells a story that you bring to life with your own hands. The interplay of construction and color design gives you absolute freedom. You decide whether your model should shine brand new or bear the marks of tough off-road use.
The right preparation: Your workplace for perfect results
An outstanding model doesn't just start with gluing, but with the correct preparation of your work area. A well-lit table, a robust cutting mat and an ergonomic sitting position form the basis for fatigue-free work for many hours. We recommend that you always ensure good ventilation - especially when handling adhesives or paints that contain solvents.
To avoid frustration right from the start, you need to have the right tools on the table ready to hand. A precise side cutter for fine plastic parts prevents sensitive webs from breaking or components from tearing off under tension. With a sharp scalpel and abrasive fleece in different grit sizes, you can remove residue from the sprue areas and smooth unsightly mold separation seams. The essential Model building accessories such as masking tape, tweezers for small parts and special glue with a fine cannula form the basic equipment of every ambitious model builder.
Step by step to a masterpiece: gluing, assembling and adjusting
Patience is the most important quality in model building. Before you reach for the glue, you should dry fit each piece. This so-called “dry fitting” shows you immediately whether edges meet cleanly or whether you still need minimal rework. This intermediate step pays off twice, especially with fuselage halves, wings or complex engine blocks.
Use the capillary action of modern liquid glue when gluing: put the components together and apply a minimal amount of glue along the seam with the fine needle. The adhesive flows into the joint on its own and permanently welds the plastic. Make sure to keep adhesive fumes away from transparent parts such as pulpits or windshields, otherwise they will become unsightly cloudy. For transparent parts, we recommend special, water-based adhesives that harden transparently and without leaving any residue.
Color and finish: From primer to weathering
The second part of Build + Paint – painting – transforms a gray plastic framework into a breathtaking showpiece. Before you apply the first coat of paint, you should prime the degreased model. A fine primer reveals tiny sanding marks, ensures a homogeneous surface and guarantees that the subsequent layers of paint adhere optimally.
For larger areas and flawless gradients, there is no way around the spray gun. High quality Airbrush complete sets offer you everything you need for velvety color gradients, shades and fine camouflage patterns, from compressors to pistols. In addition, the brush remains indispensable: a pointed red sable or synthetic brush in size 0 to 5/0 is the first choice for dashboards, switches in the cockpit, landing gear struts or figures.
To add depth and realism to your model, experienced hobbyists use aging techniques:
- Washes (depth emphasis): Heavily diluted, dark color runs into engravings and edges and vividly highlights building structures.
- Dry painting (drybrushing): Using an almost dry brush, brush over raised edges to show light reflections and edge wear.
- Chipping: Using sponge or the finest brush techniques, you can simulate chipped paint on door sills, wing roots or engine hoods.
Detailed classics for your collection
The range of our Build + Paint series covers fascinating icons from the history of technology. If you have a weakness for classic civilian vehicles with cult status, this is it Trabant 601S Builder S Choice a prime example of sophisticated building fun: with a faithfully reproduced two-stroke engine, multi-part body and true-to-original decals, it challenges all your assembly and painting skills.
Such demanding projects offer you the opportunity to implement your own color concepts. Whether it's a high-gloss finish with several layers of clear varnish and subsequent polish or an authentic patina with the finest traces of rust and dirt: you determine the end result and create a unique piece that is unique.
Discover your next challenge
No matter whether you want to get back into it after a long break from crafting or are an experienced veteran looking for the next detailed large-scale construction site: In the world of Build + Paint you will find kits with up to several hundred parts, photo-etched parts for the finest details and decal sheets for historically accurate labels. Take the time, plan your project step by step and experience the pure satisfaction when the last layer of clear varnish dries and your model is finished in front of you.