Detailing grills.

[snacktruck67]

I have seen tutorials on detailing grills, but the process has been different on most of them.  Some use black acrylic paint, and some use black wash.  I was wondering which is the most popular or correct way to do this.  Thanks.

[Petetrucker07]

I use thinned enamel. I've had good results with that.

[cobraman]

I use "The Detailer" but in the past just used any paint and just thinned it.

[Deathgoblin]

I use either or both, depending on the application.  I'm working on the 1/20 AMX kit right now so I did mostly semigloss black, with a wash over the chrome bars and the letters.

[Tom Geiger]

I like to use Tamiya acrylic brush paint.  Paint your grille with it and let it nearly dry. Then use a damp Q-tip to wipe it off the highpoints you want to be chrome. I also use it in door jambs and panel lines the same way.

I don't like the Detailer.  The black gives a purplish tone!

Edited August 12, 2015 by Tom Geiger

[Ramfins59]

I've used either thinned flat black paint, or water based flat black paint, or the Detailer...... all have given me good results.

[Snake45]

These days I mostly use a flat or matte black enamel, and then scrape it off the high points with a wood toothpick or "chisel" of styrene when it's almost but not completely dry. This will work when it's dry, but it's just a bit easier if it's not completely cured yet.

[StevenGuthmiller]

Good old cheapo Ceramcoat acrylic craft paint is what I've used for years, & when I say years, I mean I've had the same bottle of paint for probably than 10 years.

It'll probably last me another 10.

Just use it the same as a lot of the other guys on this thread.

Basically, slap it on & scrape it off the top with a tooth pick.

I use the same stuff for all of my panel lines & cowl vents.

By the way Mike, There is no "correct" way to do virtually anything when it comes to modeling.

Use whatever works for you.

 

Steve

[Mike_G]

If there's a lot of black area, I'll usually spray Testor's flat black over the whole grille and wipe off the high spots with mineral spirits on a swab

[slusher]

If there's a lot of black area, I'll usually spray Testor's flat black over the whole grille and wipe off the high spots with mineral spirits on a swab

I tape off most of the area and spray it and use mineral spirits also. Looks better sprayed...

[charlie8575]

I like the Detailer best overall. It's easy to use, quick and looks good. I will pick other colors out as needed with a toothpick or very small brush.

Charlie Larkin

[snacktruck67]

Lot of food for thought.  I will try and see what works best for me.  Steve your right, there is no best way to do this.  Do what ever works for me.  Thanks much to all of you.

[Greg Myers]

Don't forget, on super thick detailed grills you might be able to sand the back till the grill opening opens up. This has been covered here on the board. 

[Roadrunner]

I use either or both, depending on the application.  I'm working on the 1/20 AMX kit right now so I did mostly semigloss black, with a wash over the chrome bars and the letters.

Do you have a work in progress here somewhere? I looked, but didn't see anything.

[Foxer]

well, another type of wash to go with all the others ... I use india ink and water for a wash .. about 10% ink. I always had bad luck with enamel and acrylic washes ... they just never seemed to show as well as the india ink. This is harder to clean off later than water based paint is.

[Deathgoblin]

Do you have a work in progress here somewhere? I looked, but didn't see anything.

Not at this time, but I'll post it soon.    It's actually almost done. 

[Roadrunner]

Not at this time, but I'll post it soon.    It's actually almost done. 

OK, thanks. I'll keep my eyes open for it.

[Jim N]

I use acrylic paint and dilute with water.  I think it cleans up more easily if I screw up.  With the acrylic paint, you may have to apply the wash twice to get the coverage you want.

[Jon Cole]

I avoid enamels for washes, as it is petroleum based. When you wipe it off the high points, you risk removing the chrome plate.

[StevenGuthmiller]

I avoid enamels for washes, as it is petroleum based. When you wipe it off the high points, you risk removing the chrome plate.

I've had that problem in the past myself, which is why I started using acrylics many moons ago.

 

Steve