Top Flite TOPA0120 - Manual (Page 48)

Sand the primer with 320 and 400 grit
sandpaper using a block where possible. Most of
the primer should be sanded off.
APPLY THE COLORS
We recommend gluing the hinges in and
attaching all of the control surfaces except the
flaps before proceeding. See the Hinging section
on page 49.
NOTE: The Model Master colors are
available in both spray cans and
bottles. The use of bottled paint will be
described here.
If you use Model Master colors, combine the
small bottles of paint into a larger bottle and mix
them thoroughly to make sure the color is uniform.
The Model Master paints will need to be thinned
some in order to spray well.
NOTE: The Model Master colors will
flow out better and have less chalky
overspray if you use a painting device
which sprays a larger volume of paint (a
touch up gun sprays more than an
airbrush). Use a larger paint gun where
possible, such as on the base colors.
Spray the grey parts of the aircraft first. The
inside of the flaps and wheel wells may be painted
grey with a brush. Wet sand any rough parts with
400 to 600 grit sandpaper.
Mask off the grey parts and apply the tan to
the aircraft. Wet sand any rough places in the tan
with 400 to 600 grit sandpaper.
Spray the green portions of the model. You
may need to do some alternating passes of green
and tan to get the scheme the way you want it.
HINT: Use a soft paper towel and
circular Cycles to burnish off unwanted
overspray. Use a Tack Rag to remove
the remaining dust.
The K & B Clear will melt away much of the
unevenness that will appear in the areas you touch
up with green and tan. Apply isopropyl (rubbing)
alcohol to the model with a paper towel to
“preview” what it will look like when sprayed with
clear.
APPLY A COAT OF CLEAR
Use a touch-up spray gun to coat the aircraft
with a medium coat of clear. We recommend you
use gloss hardener in K & B clear for this
intermediate coat of clear because it will wet out
better and the decals will apply more transparently
over gloss clear than satin clear.
K & B paints are not difficult to use if you have
spray equipment. Use equal parts of paint (A) and
hardener (B), mix well, and thin. (Use K & B thinner
that is about 30 to 40 percent of the volume of
parts A and B combined.)
Wet sand the entire plane with 600 grit
sandpaper. Touch up any colored areas that need
adjusting and reapply clear over those areas.
APPLY THE DECALS
NOTE: The decal sheet does not give
you everything you need to completely
trim your model, but it does provide all
the intricate detailing and difficult
items.
❑ 1. Study the plans and the photos on the box
to decide where to place the decals.
❑ 2. Thoroughly clean your airplane before
applying decals.
❑ 3. Trim the decals as close as practical.
Carefully apply the decals to the model.
NOTE: Certain decals are provided
that you may use at your discretion.
The shark mouth decals are easy to apply as long
as you are very careful. It may be necessary to cut
relief slits in the decal in order for it to conform
properly to the curves of the cowling. Apply the
decals up to the seam of the cowl sides and cowl
front and then paint the front to match the photo on
the box.
DRAW THE PANEL LINES ON THE
MODEL (OPTIONAL)
Inked-on panel lines are easy to draw, and
enhance the model's appearance. For the most
accurate results, refer to the Koku Fan 3-view
drawing for placement of the lines. You may also
use the pictures on the box for reference.
Mix black and white ink to obtain a medium
grey colored ink. Normal ink for Rapidograph pens
for use on mylar works fine. Load the ink into a .5
to .7mm technical drafting pen. Use a thin plastic
ruler to guide the pen.
HINT: Apply a strip or two of masking
tape to the bottom side of the ruler
about 1/8” from the edge. The tape will
add friction so the ruler won’t slide, and
will keep the ink from wicking under the
ruler.
The ink will prevent you from cleaning the
model with any solvents, so be careful not to get
too many finger prints or oils on the surface.
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