Hello! I’m picking up a 1/24 scale, 1997 Mazda Miata model from tamiya, I’m wanting to build it as a convertable, I know how to do flocking for carpets, but what I want too know is how to add a realistic cloth texture to the seats without fabricating much
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Welcome to the forum, hope I can help you a bit. I’ve tried a couple things with differing rates of success.
Masking tape applied to the seats, then painted can help it look like vinyl / leather. You do need to be careful with it, cut to fit, maybe gluing edges. Another option is using tissue paper, Kleenex or certain paper towel material for the seats. Cut to shape, soak with white glue / water mix, let dry and paint. Both take some practice to look convincing.
As for the carpet, there used to be products specifically made for model cars - usually called flocking. It was available in many different colours, but I haven’t seen it available anywhere near me for quite some time. An alternative is to use embossing powder glued to the floor, then I assume painted afterward. I have never tried this method, perhaps someone who has can chime in.
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The masking tape option sounds good, I might have to give that a shot
I’ve tried fabric samples cut to fit the seats. Works good on bench seats. I place the fabric on the seat and brush on Mod Podge matte on the surface of the seat and fabric surface, like a decoupage. When I paint interiors (and engines) I use a black primer then the color coat to give definition to details. I have also tried mesh cut to fit the seat then paint over the mesh to give a plaid pattern when the mesh is pealed off.
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your details seats are really nice. adds so much. v sometimes u think of i could shrink, i could just drive your model away. thank you for being a model maker.
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I haven’t built a car in over 40 years, but this was interesting info. I never would have thought about painting over tape to simulate leather.
I agree Samphoto. It was a great idea for the seats. I have used masking tape to simulate vinyl roof material and that worked well, but never thought of it for interiors.
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That’s a really good idea I could try that too
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Let us know how it turns out. Send in a pic if you can.