How do you get clothing on plastic figures to look lifelike?

[a.flynn]

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.

[cybernut]

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.

[ATH019]

Also don't use brushes to avoid streaking.    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

[blag-it Admin]

Also don't use brushes to avoid streaking.    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.   Nice idea though.

[cybernut]

I remember paint pens.  I think Tamiya used to do them.

[blag-it Admin]

Yes, good point!  Just about remember those...  Can you still get them?


Admin

[A.Jenery]

Yes, good point!  Just about remember those...  Can you still get them?


Admin

Yes, according to this SERP.  Shows other brands as well...

[a.flynn]

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.