1/24 diecast Chevy Nomad.

[Andy T]

Andy, the paint looks superb.

Thanks Paul, I'm lucky enough to have had plenty of practice.

Looking the business now - how about some neon lights under the sills and functioning air suspension?

Haha, I'll see if I've got time after building the working V8 :tears-of-joy:

[Andy T]

I've been doing a lot of masking and thought I'd share this tip for those that aren't aware of it.

Occasionally you need to mask right up to something which might require cutting the tape in situ. Obviously this runs the risk of damaging the surface underneath, so here's my way around it.

With the tape in place, lay your blade gently along the cut line:



Then carefully start to peel back the tape. You aren't pressing with the blade, just pulling the tape back against it:



Keep peeling back, remembering not to press with the blade:



Keep going until the tape comes free:



A perfectly straight line, with minimal risk of damaging the paint below:



Of course I've just chosen a random spot here but it can come in very useful for masking right up to the edge of a panel, hard edge camo masking, or many other scenarios.

[scottie3158]

I've been doing a lot of masking and thought I'd share this tip for those that aren't aware of it.

Occasionally you need to mask right up to something which might require cutting the tape in situ. Obviously this runs the risk of damaging the surface underneath, so here's my way around it.

With the tape in place, lay your blade gently along the cut line:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]n1229338[/ATTACH]

Then carefully start to peel back the tape. You aren't pressing with the blade, just pulling the tape back against it:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]n1229339[/ATTACH]

Keep peeling back, remembering not to press with the blade:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]n1229340[/ATTACH]

Keep going until the tape comes free:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]n1229341[/ATTACH]

A perfectly straight line, with minimal risk of damaging the paint below:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]n1229342[/ATTACH]

Of course I've just chosen a random spot here but it can come in very useful for masking right up to the edge of a panel, hard edge camo masking, or many other scenarios.

That is very useful thanks Andy.

[Andy T]

I hope it helps someone Paul.


Here's the reason for all of that masking. I first applied a gloss black which is essential for a good chrome effect. Other colours can be used but it has to be glass smooth for the chrome paint to work properly. (hard to photograph) :



After letting that sit for several hours I applied the chrome, this time the GSW airbrush version. Very very light coats are needed to ensure the flakes lay flat for best reflectivity. These were lightly buffed between coats with a new microfiber cloth to remove any flakes that were standing up:





I'm going to let them sit overnight, then might add a clearcoat. That will lose a bit of the chrome shine but these paints are so fragile that it's the only way to stop them rubbing off with the lightest touch.

[minitnkr]

Beautiful.

[Andy T]

Beautiful.

Thanks Paul. I'm resigned to the fact that it'll always look like a toy but that won't stop me trying to make it look nice.

To be honest I'm having a mojo crisis right now. I've no idea what I want to build next as nothing is floating my boat. I'll keep trawling the shop & scalemates, hopefully something will catch my eye :smiling3:

[Andy T]

Still some bits to finish off but I'm getting there

[Stefee]

Andt that looks superb, especially like the colour combination and chrome wheels. When (if) I ever get through the stash I may very well attempt one of these. Very well done. :smiling2:

[HAWKERHUNTER]

Fantastic work Andy. A very comprehensive build thread.

[Neil Merryweather]

Trust me it doesn't look like a toy Andy!!

[Jim R]

That looks really good indeed Andy. That masking tape tip is one to remember. Useful when masking canopies. You say it is looking toy like but I think all these extreme custom cars have the look of a "toy". The big wheels, the low stance and the chrome - just what a 10 year old would draw

[Andy T]

Thanks guys, it seems you are liking it more than I am :smiling3:

[Tim Marlow]

Looking good to me as well Andy. Great tip on the tape as well. An improvement on my current technique of creasing and folding back…..

[scottie3158]

Andy, that looks the nuts mate.

[Andy T]

Thanks again.

I'm almost finished with this now. A quick polish up and I'll get some snaps.

The chrome paint is wearing off already in places though. Will need to find a fix for that (or just stop touching it! :smiling5: )