"blag-it" Forum

Hobbies and pastimes related topics => Scale modelling => Topic started by: a.flynn on 21 November, 2019, 11:59:14 AM

Title: How do you get clothing on plastic figures to look lifelike?
Post by: a.flynn on 21 November, 2019, 11:59:14 AM: One of my other hobbies other than r/c stuff is model dioramas but no matter how carefully I paint the clothing on plastic or metal figures, the end result always looks too shiny - it doesn't look like cloth and so on. Any ideas on how you do this? Thanks.
Title: Re: How do you get clothing on plastic figures to look lifelike?
Post by: cybernut on 22 November, 2019, 01:18:43 AM: Preparation is key. If the model is plastic apply mild soapy water to get rid of any residue, if metal, a light sanding should be applied. Then, after allowing to dry thoroughly, apply grey primer. Final top coats would depend on what it is and what effect you want, so matte for worn-in fabric or leather, etc, jackets, trousers, hats, and so on; gloss for new or shiny leather, rubber, plastic and metallic for things like helmets, equipment, etc. Scale or size is a factor as well. The smaller it is the trickier it gets.
Title: Re: How do you get clothing on plastic figures to look lifelike?
Post by: ATH019 on 22 November, 2019, 03:18:08 AM: Also don't use brushes to avoid streaking. ;D Use something like cotton buds which is what I did when I made aircraft kits way back when. Gives you a lot more precision and control for doing small, fiddly parts.

Global Moderator
Title: Re: How do you get clothing on plastic figures to look lifelike?
Post by: blag-it Admin on 24 November, 2019, 07:06:07 AM: Quote from: ATH019 on 22 November, 2019, 03:18:08 AM
Also don't use brushes to avoid streaking. ;D Use something like cotton buds which is what I did when I made aircraft kits way back when. Gives you a lot more precision and control for doing small, fiddly parts.

Global Moderator
Wouldn't have thought of cotton buds in a million years. :P Nice idea though. ;D
Title: Re: How do you get clothing on plastic figures to look lifelike?
Post by: cybernut on 30 November, 2019, 02:25:27 PM: I remember paint pens. I think Tamiya used to do them.
Title: Re: How do you get clothing on plastic figures to look lifelike?
Post by: blag-it Admin on 30 November, 2019, 11:25:40 PM: Yes, good point! Just about remember those... Can you still get them?

Admin
Title: Re: How do you get clothing on plastic figures to look lifelike?
Post by: A.Jenery on 09 February, 2020, 10:05:00 AM: Quote from: blag-it Admin on 30 November, 2019, 11:25:40 PM
Yes, good point! Just about remember those... Can you still get them?

Admin
Yes, according to this SERP (https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1GCEU_enGB887GB887&biw=1024&bih=657&tbm=shop&ei=Cdg_XrLDBbTB8gKllrRA&q=tamiya+paint+pens&oq=tamiya+paint+pens&gs_l=psy-ab-sh.3...94641.98378.0.98907.7.7.0.0.0.0.72.401.7.7.0....0...1c.1.64.psy-ab-sh..0.2.135...0i13k1.0.H8AZycxetNQ). Shows other brands as well...
Title: Re: How do you get clothing on plastic figures to look lifelike?
Post by: a.flynn on 16 May, 2020, 09:28:03 AM: Quote from: cybernut on 22 November, 2019, 01:18:43 AM
Preparation is key. If the model is plastic apply mild soapy water to get rid of any residue, if metal, a light sanding should be applied. Then, after allowing to dry thoroughly, apply grey primer. Final top coats would depend on what it is and what effect you want, so matte for worn-in fabric or leather, etc, jackets, trousers, hats, and so on; gloss for new or shiny leather, rubber, plastic and metallic for things like helmets, equipment, etc. Scale or size is a factor as well. The smaller it is the trickier it gets.
Thanks for these tips, I'll try some of them. ;) Also like the cotton bud idea instead of brushes. 8)