Semroc USS Andromeda KV-97, Part 13, Black Paint Prep

 The engine tubes were masked off for the fluorescent paint and the entire model was sprayed gloss black. After the decals are applied the rocket will end up a coat of flat acrylic. Paint it gloss for now so the decals will transfer and stick onto the model.

The surface of the card stock pieces seemed rough. After the first black coat they were sanded smooth with 400 grit.


Around the rings it's tough to sand and smooth the fillets. While sanding I must have nicked the balsa with a folded corner of the sandpaper.

I did a very shallow fill with some CWF. The picture on the right is after sanding.

I used a Sharpie to blacken the sanded CWF filler. You can get away with this on an overall black surface.
The Sharpie ink was lightly sanded with 400 grit.






The interior of the hollow engine tubes should be painted with white. With a white undercoat the upcoming fluorescent paint will glow.
Some white enamel was brushed on the inside tube walls.

The engine tubes will get a fluorescent orange acrylic paint applied with a brush. Then mask off the orange and spray the model a final gloss black.

NOTE: I will have to take a break on this one! Semroc is sending me two sets of decals and metallic trim. When those arrive we'll finish up the build.