So far, I tend to paint all jet engine nozzles silver, which I am not satisified, because different jets seem to have different nozzle color. For example, F15 and F18 tend to have darker nozzle, while F16 is silver most time (and sometime with golden tin) (correct me if I am wrong)
So I wonder whether you could share with me your techniques, your choice of paints (color and name brands)…
Thanks.
Most of what I do is WWII prop jobs, but FWIW keep in mind that exhaust nozzles are steel. The color of steel is slightly darker than silver. I’ve been using some acrylic paint from “Games Workshop” that brushes and sprays beautifully, much better than most of the silver or aluminum paint I’ve used. I think the color is “Boltgun Metal” or something like that, but for steel parts it works great. That particular color might be a little bit dark for exhaust nozzles though.
Also, the buckets frequently have some blackening inside from the carbon, and that can be reproduced with a little drybrushing. Some dark wash in the joints will add some depth to them as well.
Later … Now that I think about it, the nozzles may be made of titanium or some sort of titanium alloy. If it is an alloy that would explain the differences in coloration.
Don’t forget that metals change colors after beeing exposed to heat, and I have a strong feeling that a jet nozzle sometimes is exposed to temperatures a little above roomtemperature [:)]
Anyway, I usually start with by airbrushing the nozzle in gloss black,
next comes a layer of Model Masters E1780 “Steel”, next a wash of blueish black and finish the thing with drybrushing Model Masters “Burnt Metal”
That looks realistic enough for me…
Try Model Master metalizer-Titanium (buffing) and then drybrush silver. Looks great.
Gunze Burnt Iron is also a good choice.
Thanks folks. I did some reading also and found that the most common paints are the Testors metalizer. I am getting some this weekend.
Hi Scott, you mentioned using Games Workshop paints for spraying, as a matter of interest what are you thinning them with. I have tried both Windex and alcohol but they caused the paint to congeal and gum up my airbrush quite badly. I had better luck with straight water as a thinner. You are right in saying their metallic colours are some of the best around, they have a nice fine pigment and handbrush beautifully, could you give me some tips for spraying them, thinning in particular? Thanks.
Cheers…Snowy.