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Detailing chrome lines on model car?

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  • Member since
    January 2012
  • From: Atlanta Metro, Georgia
Detailing chrome lines on model car?
Posted by fright on Monday, April 6, 2020 11:20 AM

I'm building AMT's Munster Koach and there are fine raised lines on the body and fenders. What is the best way to paint these and get clear lines? Any help appreciated! 

 

Robert O

  • Member since
    August 2014
  • From: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Posted by goldhammer on Monday, April 6, 2020 11:24 AM

If staying chrome, try a fine Molotow pen.  They are like a sharpie.  Available at Hobby Lobby and probably the bigger stationary stores.

  • Member since
    January 2012
  • From: Atlanta Metro, Georgia
Posted by fright on Monday, April 6, 2020 11:29 AM

Goldhammer - Does Molotow make a gold or brass pen? The detail lines on the Koach were finished in a brass color. I will try to tape off as much as I can to protect the black. 

Robert O

  • Member since
    August 2014
  • From: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Posted by goldhammer on Monday, April 6, 2020 1:36 PM

Not sure, but I think they do a gold and maybe a brass.  I just have the chrome for mirrors on vehicles and the oleo struts on a/c.

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Monday, April 6, 2020 1:37 PM

fright

Goldhammer - Does Molotow make a gold or brass pen? The detail lines on the Koach were finished in a brass color. I will try to tape off as much as I can to protect the black. 

 

Yes, they make a gold one- looks like fresh polished brass.

 

Also, some folks use narrow strips of Bare Metal Foil, but it is hard cutting it narrow enough and applying it.

 

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: New Braunfels, Texas
Posted by Tanker-Builder on Monday, April 6, 2020 1:51 PM

Hi;

 Unlike Don. I do not cut strips and then apply foil "Chrome or Gold" My method is a rectangle that covers the surface and some more. I place the edge close to the area I want to cover. at least a 1/16" Then burnish one side down. Take it over with the Burnish tool rubbing gently. Then after that, take a sharp( Read New) X-Acto blade and trim the excess.

 I do like the Molotow product, But like any other chrome or gold fine paint, it dulls when you put clear-coat over it. Plus, then you cannot re-polish it later

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 9:03 AM

Tanker-Builder

Hi;

 Unlike Don. I do not cut strips and then apply foil "Chrome or Gold" My method is a rectangle that covers the surface and some more. I place the edge close to the area I want to cover. at least a 1/16" Then burnish one side down. Take it over with the Burnish tool rubbing gently. Then after that, take a sharp( Read New) X-Acto blade and trim the excess.

 I do like the Molotow product, But like any other chrome or gold fine paint, it dulls when you put clear-coat over it. Plus, then you cannot re-polish it later

 

Actually I do cut a wider strip than the strip I am covering, but being too cheap to waste much of the stuff, I frequently cut it too narrow, and boy if it is less than about a quarter inch wide, it does tend to curl back on itself at times.

In general I am too stingy on my supplies- I re-use toothpicks too many times, let my knife blades get too dull before I change them, etc.  I know I can afford to replace stuff more often, and am working on doing so.  I have found sources for good prices on supplies.  Dull blades just don't cut it  :-)

 

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    January 2012
  • From: Atlanta Metro, Georgia
Posted by fright on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 9:12 AM

Thank you all for the multipal solutions. Is working with gold leaf fairly easy? I've never tried using it before.

Robert O

  • Member since
    August 2014
  • From: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Posted by goldhammer on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 10:11 AM

If talking real gold leaf, you need to put down "sizing", an adhesive.  Then apply the leaf, burnish in place and rub off the excess from the edges.  Then clear to protect.  Not to mention expensive.

BMF has the adhesive on it already.

  • Member since
    January 2012
  • From: Atlanta Metro, Georgia
Posted by fright on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 7:02 PM

Goldhammer - I looked up Bare Metal Foil and watched a couple of videos on how to apply. I think I may go this routs for the windows, but it doesn't look like it would stay on the slightly raised trim on fenders or on side panels. Maybe the pens would work better on that. 

 

Robert O

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 2:13 PM

fright

Goldhammer - I looked up Bare Metal Foil and watched a couple of videos on how to apply. I think I may go this routs for the windows, but it doesn't look like it would stay on the slightly raised trim on fenders or on side panels. Maybe the pens would work better on that. 

 

 

I find I do need to mask for the pens if the lines are too narrow.

 

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: New Braunfels, Texas
Posted by Tanker-Builder on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 3:00 PM

Hi Don;

       I do this. When my favorite stores for this, I will go to Hobby-Lobby and buy the little Plastic Refill blocks of blades. Every once in a while I use the 40% off coupon app. Then all I buy is one of those re-fill packs. I have enough to last over a year now.

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Thursday, April 9, 2020 9:09 AM

Tanker-Builder

Hi Don;

       I do this. When my favorite stores for this, I will go to Hobby-Lobby and buy the little Plastic Refill blocks of blades. Every once in a while I use the 40% off coupon app. Then all I buy is one of those re-fill packs. I have enough to last over a year now.

 

 I find excellent prices at Amazon on #11 refills.  What surprised me is how cheap scalpel blades are.  I guess maybe because the doctors only use them once then discard them, so the probably make them by the millions.

 

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    January 2012
  • From: Atlanta Metro, Georgia
Posted by fright on Friday, April 10, 2020 11:07 AM
Don - thanks for the advice on taping. The detail lines on this car are pretty thin! On a side note, I enjoy watching your builds!

Robert O

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Friday, April 10, 2020 1:37 PM

fright
Don - thanks for the advice on taping. The detail lines on this car are pretty thin! On a side note, I enjoy watching your builds!
 

Thanks, fright.

 

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

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