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Need help painting road wheels via brushing

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  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Southern NJ
Need help painting road wheels via brushing
Posted by Jeordicat on Monday, March 24, 2008 8:46 AM
Guys I need help!  I spray painted road wheels (using "rattle can"), and then started painting them with Tamiya's Flat Black (XF-1.)  I have tried thinning as I go along, but I'm just not getting it right.  As I have just returnedto  modelling after an almost 30 year absence, I am trying not to become discouraged.  It's kicking my *** though!  I've enjoyed reading the posts on the forum, as well as the fantastic photos that you guys submit.  I appreciate the help.  DJ
  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: Tulsa, OK
Posted by acmodeler01 on Monday, March 24, 2008 9:20 AM

Personally, I would say the problem is the paint. Tamiya acrylics are hard to brush. I find that they are OK for small details, but on larger areas ( I would include tires or wheels in that) it seems like you need a lot of paint to get a decent result; I always keep the brush "loaded".

Fo my roadwheels/tires I use the cheap-o acrylics from Micheals or Hobby Lobby, the kind in the plastic squeeze type bottle. I think Apple Barrel is the brand. They cover well, wash up with water, and dry very fast.

Another option would be to paint the black tire first, then get a cirlce template or stencil, the kind that has 10-15 different sizes on it. Find the size that works for that wheel, then hold the wheel on it and paint the camo color, using the stencil as a mask.

  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Southern NJ
Posted by Jeordicat on Monday, March 24, 2008 9:24 AM
Thanks for the info.  I was thinking that it probably would be easier to get a template, and paint the wheels black first.  But at this point, I have ha set of roadwheels that are Olive Drab, for Academy's 1/35 scale M2 Bradley, and Nato Green, for Tamiya's 1/35 M1A1 Abrams.  The 2 hobby shops that you mentioned, do they have a website?  Thanks again!
  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: Tulsa, OK
Posted by acmodeler01 on Monday, March 24, 2008 9:35 AM
Hobby Lobby doesn't have a store in NJ, the closest looks like VA. Michaels is www.michaels.com, they have a store locator feature so you can find the nearest one to you. The paints that I am thinking of are sold in a lot of places under different brands. If you don't have a Michaels near you, any decent arts and crafts store should have the paint. Also, even though I do not advocate shopping there, you can get the paint at Wal-Mart.
  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Southern NJ
Posted by Jeordicat on Monday, March 24, 2008 9:40 AM
Thanks!  I'll keep pluggin' away.
  • Member since
    October 2005
  • From: Maryland
Posted by usmc1371 on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:18 AM

Try using a Sharpie to paint the road wheels.  Get two different size Sharpies, a fine point and a broad point.  Use the fine point to get close to the rim.  Use the broad point to paint the rest of the wheel.  The finish will look a little glossy and uneven.  Once you spray it with a dull coat, it will even out.

Jesse

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