painting metals - recommendations for paint?

[khorgor]

Hi guys.

I have bought a few WW1 aircraft, a superbike and am currently putting together a sci-fi mecha.

Up till now I have used GW paints for my metals, but I have decided that it is not realistic enough to use on my new models.

So I was hoping I could find out from you guys what you recommend for metal painting.

Thanks in advance

another thing; I have been suggested to use ground pencil to bring out metals at the end. I do believe my friend suggested HB - but just wanted to check.

 

[tonydawe]

Hi Scott,

GW acrylics are fine to use on most subjects, however I tend to favour Vallejo acrylics because they have a wide range of military-specific colours and provide good coverage and colour consistency.

Vallejo also do a good range of metallic colours, whch can be easily mixed with other colours to achieve specific metallic effects ;ie. rusting. I would not recommend you use acrylics if you are looking for a super high gloss metallic finish (for example on cars and bikes).

Using ground up pencil lead (graphite) is an acceptable method for creating metallic finishes, but it is messy to use and you need to find some way of sealing the graphite onto the painted surface, otherwise it will simply blow or rub off over time. It also tends to dull over time.

The best method I've found to create realistic metallic highlights is drybrushing. After applying the basic metal colour (say for example Gun Metal) I apply a dilute wash of black mixed with brown into the reccessed areas and around exposed parts, and when the wash is completely dry I very lightly drybrush over the area with a silver colour. This helps to pick out the fine details (ie. nuts and bolts) while also simulating the normal wear and tear that would appear on exposed metal surfaces.

If you'd like me to demonstrate,bring along your piece and a few of your paints to our next club meeting and I'll show you what I mean. It does take a bit of practice, but its a very effective technique and creates very realistic results.

 

[khorgor]

sounds good mate

I'm not going to buy a few silvers just for my bike. he will survive with what ever I get for the planes.

So will try and get into perth for vallejo metallics before next meeting.

 

[Einion]

For the aircraft and bike best results will be achieved with an airbrushed paint. No idea what's available easily in Oz but Alclad II is great stuff. This is the kind of effect you can achieve.

For the mecha, depending on how much metal there is showing (just chips in the paintwork or larger areas?) then I'd use the paints you currently have if it's just for exposed metal (chips, scratches) or joints; for larger areas, particularly if there are any flat expanses, then I'd suggest airbrushing.

Einion

 

[khorgor]

don't have a airbrush unfortunately and I love hand painting too much to go to one.

I have head of alcad before actually :-P but thanks for your advice. I'll keep on looking.

the mecha I'm painting is this one btw =
http://www.e2046.com/product_info.php?products_id=2064

has clear armour and lots of mechanics. so lots to do :-P

 

[Einion]

You do realise that :-P = sticking your tongue out at someone don't you?

don't have a airbrush unfortunately and I love hand painting too much to go to one.

I like painting by brush too, but can't beat the results of an airbrush by hand.

98%+ of all experienced armour, aircraft, bike/car modellers use one as some finishes are just impossible painting by hand. Honestly the only good reason not to go that way is cost, and it's not cheap unfortunately unless you can arrange an inexpensive air supply (e.g. scuba facilities nearby that can provide compressed air in cylinders).

Einion

 

[dannyk01]

Well the compressor cost us $400 from the art shed and we got a Mr. Hobby trigger double action airbrush from Hong Kong earlier this year for about $140 AUS ( you can get a similar one from stanbridges for $140). For armour and planes and what not it is almost a god send, it makes the look of the models look good.

Anyway, thats my opinion and it's nice to see what you where talking about at WASMEx (the robot).

Daniel

 

[busso_boy]

i have 3 airbrushes and i never seem to use them, too lazy to clean them afterwards so they just sit there gathering dust.........one day i will drag one out to paint the breast plate of a 120mm conquistador i have had sitting around for years......maybe

 

[Tommi]

Hi
Dave Maddox (figure Mad) put me onto a product called Alclad 2 metallic paint which is a thin airbrush paint which works wonders on all types of surfaces.
http://www.alclad2.com/
He published an exceptional article in Military Modelling magazine a few months ago about the technique he used for the metals, I think there is a thread somewhere on this forum?
Cheers
Tommi

 

[Calvin]

Try the metallics from the Vallejo "Model Air" series, they are for airbrushing but you will be surprised in seeing how good they look even brushed.