Realistist fabric and upholstery

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Techniques
1

Hi all,

Any tips or thoughts on simulating a fabric for auto seats? I would appreciate any tips as I find simply painting the plastic rather cold and hard looking…

A bonus would be to be able simulate “wear” as well. :slight_smile:

Thanks!
Dodge

2

You could try some flocking material. This is basically a powdered medium which can be used to simulate fabrics (and also used as ground cover - ie. low grasses, in scenic work) You coat the item to be covered with thinned white glue, sprinkle the flocking over the item and shake off the excess.

I’m not sure of any other manufacturers, but Detail Master has a range of flocking suitable for vehicle interiors.

3

Another technique is to use baking soda or corn starch. Paint, sprinkle, blow off excess, and mist paint over the surface. Wear can be simulated by gentle brushing or rubbing with a cotton swab—which also works for flocking.

4

Ah - that sounds good … obviously the finer the powder the better for scale purposes. Great tips - thanks! :slight_smile:

Dodge

5

I like using the flocking for carpeting and hood/trunk insulation.

For the seats and door panels I’ve used thinned leather, vinyl and fabric.
I scrounge different scraps of fabric from whatever clothing (usually really thin cotton) we get ready to toss out. If it has a pattern that looks interesting (sometimes just a background pattern of my wifes old dress or shirt) I’ll cut a section out before it hits the trash.

I have even compined the two fabrics. Leather outline, piping with 32 gauge wire, and a contrasting color of fabric for the center on the seats.

I use ribbon from the sewing department for seatbelts as I think it looks much better than painted masking tape.

But that’s just my preferences… maybe I’m too picky and spend to much time on my models. [:-^]

6

in the uk we have a fabric called lawn cames in varying thickness but used with white glue very very good for flags etc

get it in fabric shops

7

The leather/fabric/vinyl idea sounds good but in this particular case the seats are tuck and roll and even single ply TP seemed a bit thick in the “tucks”…

I may try protecting the tuck seams and using flocking or corn starch on the roll sections. Sounds like a tedious task but will be good technique practice I’m sure.

Thanks for the additional thoughts! :slight_smile:

Dodge