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PAINTING: MORE THAN AN AFTERTHOUGHT

Safety Check

—  Read Chapter 5 on health and safety

—  Preferably use water-based paints

—  Spray paint only in ventilated areas such as a spray booth or outside

—  Prevent skin contact by wearing suitable clothing and rubber gloves

—  Read MSDS information

The decision regarding when and how to paint is dependent on the purpose of the prototype. A highly finished model that is intended to have the exact appearance of the final product will require substantial attention to painting technique and color selection, whereas earlier models may simply be painted in a gray or white neutral primer to hide fillers and glue marks. Painting is more than an afterthought: it is a critical aspect of the design process. ...

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