Painting

How to Paint Laser Cut Model Railway Kits

A step-by-step guide for realistic brick finishes

Painting is one of the most important stages when building a laser cut model railway kit. With the right preparation and layering techniques, you can achieve highly realistic brickwork suitable for OO gauge, O gauge or N gauge layouts.

Below is our recommended method, developed in collaboration with experienced modeller Stephen Fay.

Step 1: Prime the Building

Start by applying a grey primer to the entire structure.

We recommend:

  • Halfords Auto Grey Primer (or similar automotive primer)

Laser cut MDF and plywood will absorb the first coat quickly. Apply light, even coats and allow each to dry fully. The primer seals the surface and improves adhesion for subsequent layers.

Step 2: Seal the Surface

Once the primer is fully dry, apply several thin coats of white gloss spray paint.

This step is important because:

  • It creates a waterproof barrier
  • It prevents later layers from soaking into the MDF
  • It improves durability

A budget gloss spray (such as Pound Shop Gloss White) works perfectly well.

Allow to dry thoroughly before proceeding.

Step 3: Apply a Base Brick Colour

Spray the entire building with a base brick colour.

Common choices include:

  • Halfords Red Oxide Primer
  • Railmatch BR Freight Bauxite (2235)

This establishes the underlying tone of the brickwork.

Use light coats to avoid obscuring detail.

Step 4: Add Brick Variation

Real brick buildings are never uniform.

Using fine brushes, pick out individual bricks in varied shades of:

  • Matt browns
  • Dark browns
  • Orange tones
  • Occasional gloss highlights

Recommended colours:

  • Humbrol Matt 60
  • Humbrol Matt 82
  • Humbrol Matt 100
  • Humbrol Gloss 18

Work randomly — avoid patterns.

This stage adds depth and realism.

Step 5: Create Mortar Lines

Working in small sections at a time:

  1. Apply a water-based cream acrylic over the brick surface
    (Humbrol Matt Cream Acrylic 103 works well)
  2. Push paint into the mortar courses
  3. Quickly wipe away surface paint with a damp cloth

The cream paint remains in the recessed brick joints, creating realistic mortar lines.

Do not allow the paint to fully dry before wiping.

Step 6: Weather and Age the Brickwork (Optional)

To add age and character:

  • Lightly dry brush Humbrol Matt Black 33
  • Add subtle tones using Phoenix Engineers Blue Brick P954
  • Use Precision Paints Concrete Weathered P958 for concrete detailing

Apply sparingly. Subtlety creates realism.

Representing Blue Engineering Brick

For engineering brick areas (common on bridges and industrial buildings):

  • Phoenix Engineers Blue Brick P954
  • Precision Paints Concrete Weathered P958

These colours work particularly well for:

  • Bridge abutments
  • Tunnels
  • Retaining walls
  • Platform edges

Painting Tips for Best Results

  • Always use thin coats rather than heavy sprays
  • Allow each layer to dry fully
  • Test techniques on spare material first
  • Work under good lighting
  • Study real brickwork for reference

Why Proper Painting Matters

Laser cut model railway buildings rely on layered detailing. Careful painting enhances:

  • Brick depth
  • Mortar realism
  • Structural contrast
  • Overall layout authenticity

With the right finish, your Intentio laser cut kit becomes a realistic focal point on any UK railway layout.