Finishing Tamiya Fiberglass

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Buffalo186
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Finishing Tamiya Fiberglass

Post by Buffalo186 »

Anyone have any techniques for improving the look of the semi-transparent fiberglass in Tamiya kits like the Porsche Martini 935? Just getting started and I like the basic look of it but know it could be better.
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cbk57
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Re: Finishing Tamiya Fiberglass

Post by cbk57 »

I don:t know how to satisfactory roughen the texture in the right way, however there is a great 934 video series on youtube in which a builder, applies a reddish paint on the inside masking first, and makes it look like the tank is about half full or more of fuel. It looked great in my opinion. I did review a 934 restoration though and the fuel tanks do look much more crude than the kit parts.
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Seema
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Re: Finishing Tamiya Fiberglass

Post by Seema »

The rough texture could be created with a handkerchief or Kleenex, which is glued on with white glue. Robrex
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbullet ... p?t=928307
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbullet ... p?t=438245
Another technique, with Tamiya cement and a coarse brush, treat the surface. I used the handkerchief method for another project and it didn't look bad. In the MFH group on FB. Has anyone hit the texture for a Porsche 917 very well? Unfortunately I can't remember the name.
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Re: Finishing Tamiya Fiberglass

Post by ClassicF1 »

I applied liquid poly cement, let it soften the plastic then stippled the surface with a cut down stiff paintbrush. After it had dried overnight I gently sanded the surface to get rid of any high knibs of plastic then applied a well thinned wash to pick up the surface, after all these were well used racers in 1976, not restoration vehicles.
IMG_5808b.jpg
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Re: Finishing Tamiya Fiberglass

Post by blakebirk »

That looks great!
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indycals
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Re: Finishing Tamiya Fiberglass

Post by indycals »

This was one of the last steps I did (after doing several others that got me close, but not where I wanted to be). Messy application of clear orange inside the tank. It's a subtle effect, but adds an uneven effect to the plastic. If I did another this would be my first step.
IMG_0462.jpg
IMG_0539.jpg

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Re: Finishing Tamiya Fiberglass

Post by ringleheim »

The best way to finish these types of pieces, I think, would be to start out with clear plastic.

Unfortunately (and ironically) they never mold these parts in clear plastic.

The idea for me would be to discolor and cloud up a clear base.

Absent a clear base, maybe paint silver and work from there? I don't know, that might look "metallic" in the end.
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Re: Finishing Tamiya Fiberglass

Post by DiemenRacer »

Michael that looks very good.
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Re: Finishing Tamiya Fiberglass

Post by ClassicF1 »

I think Michaels method might be a bit more realistic.....
20140327_112008B.jpg
I plead artistic licence! :D

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Re: Finishing Tamiya Fiberglass

Post by wastgate »

unbelievable result for 1/12 it's perfect
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