Detail paint question for a 1st timer

[Dankidus]

I'm building my first model (as a hobbyist). For the record it is a 1:24 scale '71 Plymouth HEMI Cuda". As a first timer I will obviously have a few questions. Most I can get online without using a forum, but this question is a bit more specific.

Basically, it is "How do I paint this wheel?":

As you can see (maybe?) the wheel has indentions, and I would like to paint them black while painting the rest of the wheel silver. Should I primer the entire thing or just go ahead and paint it the colors I want? Also, should I somehow use masking tape on this or is there an easier way to keep the silver from getting into the intentions? Any other tips would be great!

[randx0]

one method would be to paint it all silver let it dry then let it dry some more then thin some black paint with thinner flow it into the recesses then wipe away any excess black touch up where necessary . alternatively you could paint the wheel black then dry brush the silver on .dry brushing is accomplished by dipping your brush then you dob on a paper towel to remove all excess paint until there is very little paint on the brush basically dry and lightly paint it on the wheel .hope this helps

Edited February 21, 2010 by randx0

[Dankidus]

one method would be to paint it all silver let it dry then let it dry some more then thin some black paint with thinner flow it into the recesses then wipe away any excess black touch up where necessary . alternatively you could paint the wheel black then dry brush the silver on .dry brushing is accomplished by dipping your brush then you dob on a paper towel to remove all excess paint until there is very little paint on the brush basically dry and lightly paint it on the wheel .hope this helps

It does help, thank you. Both solutions are interesting ideas however would thinning cause the black to have less color? Also, I am using acrylic paint, if I was to use the second option, would the black show through the silver? I'm completely new to crafts so bear with me please

[randx0]

both techniques could require more than one coat of either color or both.if you are using a water based paint I would lean more to the second option with the dry brushing.the acrylic paint should dry within an hour or two at the most .good luck and remember don't expect perfect results the first time out just relax and learn from your mistakes .most new skills don't just appear they take pratice and patience .If you have any more questions ask away.

[Dankidus]

I tried your paint the whole thing black method and then I used a method of my own. I used a toothpick to get enough paint to cause a bubble of black at the end and dipped it into the indentions, which I found easier because I could see the recess seperators easier because they werent black. Hopefully they turn out okay. They look like theyre gonna turn out much better than I expected. I can tell sanding is gonna be a pain tho, lol...

Thanks again for the response. Ill post photos when they dry!