How do I paint around the gauges?

Modeling Subjects Autos
1

I’m working on a 66’ Shelby Mustang GT-350H and I’m not sure how to paint around the gauges on the dash. There is chrome bezel around each gauge with another chrome bezel around all of the gauges with a black section inbetween. Here’s a pic of the real thing.

Recommendations?

2

The easiest thing to do would be to paint the whole panel in black, then drybrush the raised details with silver paint. If you don’t know what drybrushing is, it is dipping a brush in paint, then wiping almost all of the paint off on a paper towel or card, then lightly dragging the ‘dry’ brush across the part. There should be just enough paint left on the brush to adhere to the raised detail, but not fill the recesses. The result should be just what you’re looking for.

Be aware, this takes practice to remove the right amount of paint from the brush (I’m still working on it [:)] ). The nice thing is, if you mess up, it’s easy to apply more black paint and try again.

HTH,

Adam Howard

3

Drybrushing is how I go about it too. It’s not that hard and theonly thing that you have to watch out for is the brush touching around the gauges but as Adam said you can always touch up with a little black.

4

Another alternative is to go to a hobby / craft store and pick up an artists pencil in silver. Get a nice sharp point on it and go over the bezels lightly. I’ve found this works very well and is a bit more forgiving than dry-brushing. While you’re at it, get one in white and red or orange for the numbers and needles. Use 5-minute epoxy for the glass - DO NOT use clear acrylic paint, this will make the colors run.

5

HEY,
I just use a toothpick to paint the black stripe.

Randy

6

Dry brushing is probably the easiest and quickest. Another alternative is to cover the entire piece in chrome foil. Then, paint the whole thing black. Let it dry thoroughly. If you put a tiny pit of polish or rubbing compound on a qtip or rag, you should be able to lightly rub the edges of the gauges until the black paint comes off. The chrome will be exposed and look nice and shiny. Go easy though and take your time.

Another alternative is to just use a piece out of a polishing kit (I’m thinking something like 6000 grit) and gently work away at the edges until the chrome is exposed.

Murray

7

To do the gauge faces themselves, I take a toothpick and dip it in flat black paint and get enough on the toothpick so that it looks like a drop of paint. Then I gently place the tip into the middle of the gauge face and the paint is drawed onto the surface and spread evenly. As for the bezels and such, I just get as little paint as possible and go slowly around the edges. Never heard of drybrushing, will have to try this.

8

Wow,

thanks for all of the ideas guys. I’m not sure which one I’ll try, but I’ll keep you updated.

I’ve been wondering what dry brush was, thanks for the intructions. I think I might do a couple of practice runs before I try it.

As for the gauge faces I bought gauge face inserts from Model Car Garage so I won’t have to worry about painting the numbers or the needles.

9

Thanks Hoser! I had never thought of the craft pencils for the guages. I have spent countless hours perfecting the use of a #000 artist’s brush and using enamels for painting the guages. I’m gonna try this![:D]
I’m also gonna try your idea of using 5-minute epoxy for the guage lenses.
I have been using Testors Model Master part# 8876C clear parts cement and window maker, but I don’t have a local source on it, and I am out. It’s good stuff too.