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.
I’m just here to poach ideas…shameless I know, but the collective genius in these forums is astounding…thanking y’all in advance if you see your skills/ideas on one of my future posts 
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Best form of flattery is to see one’s ideas repeated (even improved upon) by others.
Very nice nice work, very clever method!
Thanks LungFu. It can be a little challenging to find fabric with small enough patterns to come close to matching the scale. I have also found leather or leather like samples that could work too, but they are kind of thick and would be tougher to work with…but maybe good for accents. Fabric could also be used to add texture if needed for some designs.
I’ve also seen YouTube videos of people taking screen door material and spraying paint with an airbrush thru it, using it kind of like a stencil. Could be used to create a similar effect, or to mimic carbon fiber on modern car subjects. Haven’t tried it myself, since I mostly do armor and sci-fi, but it’s food for thought.
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Masking tape is a great option for those 60’s and 70’s vynil roof tops also. I like the fabric idea, I have thought about it myself. Nice to see it in use to get a better idea.
Guess ill be visiting the fabric store soon.
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Thanks for posting. Show us what you come up with.
Excellent idea. I never would have thought about that. Thanks for sharing.
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For my carpet on this one, I painted a single ply of a blue shop towel with masking tape as the backing underneath. I used masking tape to draw off the pattern on the floor then tape the single ply of the shop towel, paint the towel side and then glue it down.
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Welcome to the forum Chuck, @04Canyon. Great recommendations on flooring detail. Looks like a Trans Am interior. Love those custom seat belts too. That blue looks spot on to me… Nice work.
…wait 
…those are car keys on the center consol… excellent touch, awesome detail!
Consider posting an introduction in the Welcome-Introduction section so we can get to know you a bit. I am looking forward to seeing more of your work. Thanks for posting!
PeterW
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Thanks, yeah this is an 81 Z28.