Jump to content
Model Cars Magazine Forum

Recommended Posts

Posted

I'm trying to airbrush some wheel trim rings, can not get an even finish for the life of me. No real way to hold the part and spin it, like how I would a wheel or tire, and I keep ending up with that hazy spot that molotow leaves when sprayed too lightly. How do you all go about spraying something shaped this way? Picture of the part and how I'm "holding" them. Already stripped and need to start over. Thanks in advance 👍👍

17533139066508805639066284303875.jpg

Posted

I dont use Molotow,  but I have painted a lot of 3D printed wheel hoops/sleeves.

Glue on some small handles that can be held with a clippy stick. Use CA glue and it can easily be snapped off and excess glue removed with a blade.

IMG20250724095634.jpg.21493d3daedc87d3920b3b36c14ab698.jpg

Also do the same for tyres.

IMG20250724095805.jpg.1172122deccb8f6e2096348003241e78.jpg

 

  • Thanks 1
Posted
14 minutes ago, Cool Hand said:

I dont use Molotow,  but I have painted a lot of 3D printed wheel hoops/sleeves.

Glue on some small handles that can be held with a clippy stick. Use CA glue and it can easily be snapped off and excess glue removed with a blade.

IMG20250724095634.jpg.21493d3daedc87d3920b3b36c14ab698.jpg

Also do the same for tyres.

IMG20250724095805.jpg.1172122deccb8f6e2096348003241e78.jpg

 

I'll definitely give this a shot. Thanks.

  • Like 1
Posted (edited)

You could also cut a disc from cardboard about the size of your rings. Glue a long piece of sprue (or any round rod) to the center with CA, and then use double face tape or a tape loop to attach the rings. Then you can spin it as you spray. A bottle cap might work instead of the cardboard disc?

Edited by NOBLNG
  • Thanks 1
Posted
10 hours ago, johnyrotten said:

I'll definitely give this a shot. Thanks.

I find it works well as you just rotate the stick and the paint hits the surface and circulates through.

Having the hoops on the tape the Molotow hits the surface and the tape which circulates the spray back onto itself which is like having over spray going into the wet paint. And being that Molotow needs to go on heavy and wet the overspray would be dulling the chrome effect.

 

I found Molotow is way to finnicky and takes forever to fully harden/cure and even then the surface is not very durable.

 

I recently started using SMS paints Hyper Chrome, the results are excellent and in my opinion its the best hobby grade chrome paint thats available, I have used it over Tamiya TS-14 black and Alclad gloss black base.

And shown below it was applied over SMS Jet black which was clear coated with SMS Super clear.

IMG20250724184124.jpg.4e0e8dd34bd8722542ed90c35a25c182.jpg

I use the Cold Tone for wheels

IMG20250724204655.jpg.2e0461d161dde8d992c3a70fdbff9978.jpg

IMG20250724204617.jpg.729b4269eaed5a1172e92bf2b2e67aa6.jpg

And like with Alclad its very durable, just lightly buff with a cotton ball to remove the dust that forms on the surface.

IMG20250724210606.jpg.914e121382f2a73fe2f0c7dddd72ea33.jpg

Ive pretty much tried all the chrome paints, and to me SMS Hyper Chrome is the best option for a great finish, its quick to dry/cure and very durable.

 

  • Like 2
Posted
33 minutes ago, Cool Hand said:

I find it works well as you just rotate the stick and the paint hits the surface and circulates through.

Having the hoops on the tape the Molotow hits the surface and the tape which circulates the spray back onto itself which is like having over spray going into the wet paint. And being that Molotow needs to go on heavy and wet the overspray would be dulling the chrome effect.

 

I found Molotow is way to finnicky and takes forever to fully harden/cure and even then the surface is not very durable.

 

I recently started using SMS paints Hyper Chrome, the results are excellent and in my opinion its the best hobby grade chrome paint thats available, I have used it over Tamiya TS-14 black and Alclad gloss black base.

And shown below it was applied over SMS Jet black which was clear coated with SMS Super clear.

IMG20250724184124.jpg.4e0e8dd34bd8722542ed90c35a25c182.jpg

I use the Cold Tone for wheels

IMG20250724204655.jpg.2e0461d161dde8d992c3a70fdbff9978.jpg

IMG20250724204617.jpg.729b4269eaed5a1172e92bf2b2e67aa6.jpg

And like with Alclad its very durable, just lightly buff with a cotton ball to remove the dust that forms on the surface.

IMG20250724210606.jpg.914e121382f2a73fe2f0c7dddd72ea33.jpg

Ive pretty much tried all the chrome paints, and to me SMS Hyper Chrome is the best option for a great finish, its quick to dry/cure and very durable.

 

I'm relatively new to a lot of products and techniques, I paint wheels and tires similar to what you've shown, and exactly what you're saying is what's happening. On a whim I've started looking into other products, just in case. I do research into pros and cons with the products I use, and molotow, while nice is fragile. I've seen the alclad, the sms hyperchrome is a new one. Any drying time isn't really a concern, I'm patient. Those look great, thanks for posting up the pictures. 

Posted
5 hours ago, johnyrotten said:

the sms hyperchrome is a new one. Any drying time isn't really a concern, I'm patient.

Sometimes time is limited and I just like to get things done so I can move on to the next stage or something else. 

Time frame with the full system of SMS paints.

I applied the surfacer let that dry overnight. The following day I based coated jet black and clear coated in the morning let that dry all day about 8hrs. Then applied the Chrome Cold Tone. 2 hours later I buffed and assembled the wheels.

IMG20250725004147.jpg.f4013de1de4225390a204c83299a2b2a.jpg

  • Thanks 1

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...