Making a convincing wooden propeller?

Dancing_Imu · August 17, 2018, 1:23pm

Hi. I’m building a V-173 Flying Pancake and it has two absolutely huge wooden propellers.

My problem? I’m not sure how to paint a convincing wood. I’ve tried striaght brown leaving brush marks, but that just ends up looking like… well, brown with brush marks.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

jeffpez · August 17, 2018, 1:31pm

Wingnut Wings site has a section with various tips on how to build their WW1 era planes including how to paint realistic wood using artist oils. Take a look:

http://www.wingnutwings.com/ww/hintsandtips

Don_Stauffer · August 18, 2018, 8:25am

My normal technique is to apply a base coat of a yellow orange color, or a light wood color, then drybrush a darker brown over it.

Drybrushing is a technique that is falling into disuse these days. If you are not experienced with it, I recommend practicing on scrap plastic. I use a pallet of plastic coated cardboard, which I get from advertising flyers, especially now from candidates for election!

Dip the brush in the brown paint, only partially immersing it, and spread the paint on the pallet. Then clean the brush with a paper towel, and pick up a small amount of the paint on the pallet, and brush with medium pressure on the part that has been painted with the lighter coat. It takes experience to get the brush just wet enough. Move the brush only in the direction you want the grain to go.

GMorrison · August 18, 2018, 11:49am

It’s really important to work from a photo.

The lamination does some things that are unexpected but are important if it is to look real.

Dancing_Imu · August 18, 2018, 7:15pm

Great, thanks! Sounds like I need to practice the technique a few times before attacking my props with it. I’ve heard of dry brushing before, but never attempted it. Good advice about that base coat, too. Thanks!