It is not much of a secret that many of us like 'how to' books. While it is nice to learn something from a talented friend, that is not always easy to do in this somewhat solitary hobby of ours.

Andrea Press has produced a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) book  on painting and detailing cars and motorcycles. Those of us to whom automotive stuff seems to be an impossible task and those who want to be able to get the paint and finish they want out of their models will find a huge variety of articles within.

There is something here for both the raw beginner in the subject and those who have spent years working with auto and motorcycle models. The book is divided into 30 distinct sections, each of them chock full of photographs showing each step in a various process.

Of course, it begins with tools and equipment, covering things like sandpapers and cements. Then it is on to filler and priming. Air brushes are covered as those provide greater control of paint over rattle cans. Applying lacquer paints and the problems associated with painting is also covered in detail. Decaling issues are presented and techniques shown on providing protective coatings. You'll also find sections on how to do carbon fibre, brakes, interiors, engines and a huge number of other painting and weathering techniques. The final dozen or so pages are photos of the various models used in the book as well as some of the author's builds. One thing to note is that this book is from Spain so there are a few items that might not be available in the US. I'm sure that if one asked for Cellulose Nitrate thinner in the US, you'd get blank stares. I'm also pretty sure that getting hypodermic syringes with needles might be a bit difficult for most US modelers, so take those things into consideration and look for substitutes when searching for materials.

Overall, this is an exceptional book for those who really want to do their next automotive project real justice. The full color images are clear and crisp, allowing details to be readily observed.  It is one that I found highly informative and I know you will as well.

January 2008

Review book courtesy of  Casemate Publishing, where you can order your copy of this and many other superb books and DVDs.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.