Hi all. I mostly build military subjects but from time to time I like to build autos. I know where to find detail parts and standard paints for autos. But I am a huge fan of the awesome wild hot rod colors seen on real cars. Does anyone know where I can find colors similar to these for scale models?
Try the cosmetics section of your favorite store. Nail polish comes in lots of wild colors, pearls, metallics, etc. Just thin with laquer thinner and shoot it through your airbrush. Be sure to use a good automotive-type primer and take the normal precautions you would using laquer.
The most difficult thing is buying it. It’s a bit embarassing the first time or two, but it gets easier and the results are worth it.
[:D] and this is also coming from a person whos screen name is “hoser” lol
It just struck me as funny, [;)] I laughed so hard
I’m not trying to be mean here[:o)]
Take off, eh?!?! [}:)] [:D]
No offence taken, but trust me on this one. I’ve used nail polish for years and love it. Also, it seems the cheaper brands have the wildest colors, and with some at $1 a bottle, they are a much better deal than ‘real’ model paints.
Here’s a couple examples. The Willys was done in a pearl, the Pie Wagon with an opaque color. The pics do no do justice - you should see these in bright sunlight.
My wife got worried when i told her the peaple use nail varnesh to spray there models, then i think she thought id be buying more colours and she could borrow them of me
she used to be a buyer at a cosmetics company and said most of the nail varnish she had in was made by Automotive paint makers
Thanks for the help guys. Now if I can just get up the nerve to go and buy nail polish
Ok guys. Mind if I ask where you buy your nail polishes? At the drug store? Mall? I need some help here guys. Also is there a certain brand that you prefer over others? Which has the largest color selection?
You got it. Anyplace that sells womens cosmetics. You might even find some at your local supermarket. If in doubt, ask your wife / girlfriend / sister / female co-worker, etc. How 'bout that cute girl over there? Might be a good conversation starter … [;)] [:D]
I don’t look for a particular brand, it’s the color. (Some of the purple and blue pearls are awesome, and don’t forget the white). You might have to do some searching if you have a particular color in mind. Greens and yellows are hard to find, though these sometimes show up around Haloween.
One thing I should mention - use a good quality laquer thinner. When I went to shoot the Pie Wagon, I first mixed it using some cheap thinner; after setting up the AB (about two minutes) the color and thinner had separated. Tried it again with some automotive laquer thinner and had no problems. When you find your color, get a couple of bottles just in case.