Armor painting help

[SorcererX[501st]]

I am in the process of building a TX.  The armor has to be all black (I know maybe a bit taboo for this forums).  My question is that should I paint before or after assembly?  I am worried about having to do repairs/upgrades to the armor in the future and then having unpainted areas.  My guess is to paint before if I wetsand, primer, paint, clear coat, then assemble.  But I am not to sure on this.

 

Aaron

[gazmosis[501st]]

I have always done all cutting and fitting prior to painting. It is much easier to paint the armor with the halves apart. Glue your cover strips to one half of your biceps, forearms, shins, and thighs. Mask off all other gluing surfaces. Paint the armor then assemble.

Make sure if you ante priming the parts to have patience and let the primer completely cure. I am talking like 7 days. This will assure that the primer is bonded to the plastic and won't lift when your top coat is applied. Make sure you have enough paint and do all your top coating at the same time. 15 min between coats

[SorcererX[501st]]

Thanks man.  I appreciate the info.  A friend of mine does professional painting on cars, I will most likely have him help or paint for me.  What you mentioned makes perfect sense to me though.