Post by RuneCaster_Aris on Sept 1, 2012 15:13:39 GMT -5
I've picked up a few tricks that I think some may utilize to some effect, hopefully this can help some of you out on your projects 
Making great hard lines:
By hard line, I mean a perfect straight line between 2 colors. The easiest way I've found to do this is tape. I have a lot of luck with scotch tape for large flat areas. For wavy/textured areas, I use Electrical tape. With electrical tape, It's made of vinyl, you can use a hair dryer, or a lighter (if you're really careful) to soften the vinyl in order to press it firmly around the contours of the model. If you're worried about the glue on the tape sticking to your model, (I've never had a problem with that however) just put the tap on your desk and pull it off a few times until it feels right to you.
Making perfect lines:
Markers. Now, I know some of you may be skeptical but try this on a test piece if you would. I usually used this method with black lines or logos, things that sometimes a stray brush bristle would screw up and make me want to spike my pallet. First, draw what you want to do on a piece of paper for reference, as simple as that is, it's EXTREMELY important, like a road map/gps to what you are going to do. Next take the marker and carefully draw the outline of your design on your model, allowing the marker a few minutes to dry. Next, fill in the shape with the color of your choice. Lastly, take some PVA (ie: Elmers) white glue, undiluted, and paint a thin layer over top the design. Repeat that one more time after the glue drys and you're done!
Why Markers?
Not everyone is a pro-painter, and sometimes, you just need something simple to get the job done without a lot of hassle.
WHAT markers?
There are really 2 options, Sharpie and Micron.
Sharpie: The least expensive but the smallest size is a .7mm tip. This also comes in a variety of colors. My biggest beef is that the black, when dry, has can have a slightly shiny purple glean to it.
Micron (and other graphic pens): these are more expensive, and come in some color shades. The trade off is that Micron pens have MUCH greater variance in tip size. Consider that .7mm is the same size as most mechanical pencil tips, Micron goes down as far as .2mm. While Micron is easier to find, it seems, I prefer Staedtler Pigment Liner pens, as the base set gives you a .1mm/.3mm/.5mm/.7mm pen.
Find them here
www.staedtler.com/pigment_liner_gb#ctl06_Tab-product-tab-2
IMPORTANT NOTE: In the case of markers, you are using ink. On black markers you wont be able to tell so much, but with color markers, expect there to be more of a "staining" effect on the model than a pure color.
Making great hard lines:
By hard line, I mean a perfect straight line between 2 colors. The easiest way I've found to do this is tape. I have a lot of luck with scotch tape for large flat areas. For wavy/textured areas, I use Electrical tape. With electrical tape, It's made of vinyl, you can use a hair dryer, or a lighter (if you're really careful) to soften the vinyl in order to press it firmly around the contours of the model. If you're worried about the glue on the tape sticking to your model, (I've never had a problem with that however) just put the tap on your desk and pull it off a few times until it feels right to you.
Making perfect lines:
Markers. Now, I know some of you may be skeptical but try this on a test piece if you would. I usually used this method with black lines or logos, things that sometimes a stray brush bristle would screw up and make me want to spike my pallet. First, draw what you want to do on a piece of paper for reference, as simple as that is, it's EXTREMELY important, like a road map/gps to what you are going to do. Next take the marker and carefully draw the outline of your design on your model, allowing the marker a few minutes to dry. Next, fill in the shape with the color of your choice. Lastly, take some PVA (ie: Elmers) white glue, undiluted, and paint a thin layer over top the design. Repeat that one more time after the glue drys and you're done!
Why Markers?
Not everyone is a pro-painter, and sometimes, you just need something simple to get the job done without a lot of hassle.
WHAT markers?
There are really 2 options, Sharpie and Micron.
Sharpie: The least expensive but the smallest size is a .7mm tip. This also comes in a variety of colors. My biggest beef is that the black, when dry, has can have a slightly shiny purple glean to it.
Micron (and other graphic pens): these are more expensive, and come in some color shades. The trade off is that Micron pens have MUCH greater variance in tip size. Consider that .7mm is the same size as most mechanical pencil tips, Micron goes down as far as .2mm. While Micron is easier to find, it seems, I prefer Staedtler Pigment Liner pens, as the base set gives you a .1mm/.3mm/.5mm/.7mm pen.
Find them here
www.staedtler.com/pigment_liner_gb#ctl06_Tab-product-tab-2
IMPORTANT NOTE: In the case of markers, you are using ink. On black markers you wont be able to tell so much, but with color markers, expect there to be more of a "staining" effect on the model than a pure color.
