http://i.imgur.com/zkrzFp0.jpgIn answer to Martin's post concerning 3D parts and paints on the main board, here are some pictures of Shapeways 3D printed FUD parts that have been finished in enamel paints after using the 'UV post-cure' method that has been described by PatMat (and to whom the credit should go). They are in 1/144 scale and are being used on Revell's Fletcher. This is not a review of the parts used, just a description of how they were painted.
The equipment for doing this is very simple, just a UV bulb:
http://i.imgur.com/fIQWQ5b.jpg and desk lamp placed into a cardboard box:
http://i.imgur.com/VqrD0Dr.jpgThe cardboard box doesn't add to the curing process at all, it just allows you to avoid personal exposure to UV light.
I started by cleaning the parts to remove wax and oil residue, then placed the parts in the box, turned on the light, and left them there for about six hours. I turned the parts over occasionally, to ensure every surface was directly exposed to the UV, this was probably unnecessary as the parts are pretty near transparent anyway.
I did some surface finishing work on the gun mounts by sanding and using an air eraser (none at all on the smaller parts), and added etch and made gun mantlet canvas bags from Vallejo Acrylic putty. I used Aber turned barrels as well. I only mention this to indicate that the mounts have had some work done on them, but I don't think anything that would impact one way or another on the paints used or the chemistry of the plastic.
The first coat of paint was Mr Surfacer 1500 Black, to match the paint modulation technique I am using on the rest of the model:
http://i.imgur.com/zkrzFp0.jpgFollowed by Colourcoats 5-N Navy Blue, a little 5-S Sea Blue to fade and highlight, and 20-B Deck Blue for the turret roofs. All paints dried as normal, completely flat, using a regular enamel thinner. Colourcoats do take a little more time to become completely tack free than some other enamels, but the paint on the 3D parts behaved exactly the same as the paint used on other parts of the model.
http://i.imgur.com/1MfyusT.jpg http://i.imgur.com/niXbQ6j.jpgThe sheen you can see on the smaller parts is AK Gauzy intermediate shine enhancer, an acrylic gloss used as an overall barrier coat before oil -based filters and drybrushing.
http://i.imgur.com/Pq4oCRn.jpg http://i.imgur.com/IC7x45h.jpg http://i.imgur.com/IC7x45h.jpgMost Shapeways parts have little sprues or blocks to support them during the printing process; it's easy enough to test your results on these before committing to expensive parts. I am very pleased with the results and will do the same for any further 3D parts that I buy. So, lacquer, enamel, acrylic and oil paints, all cohabiting happily together on 3D printed parts.
cheers
Steve