I am using 3D printing to make vehicles for my HO layout. Since I haven't managed to get the detail down to where I can leave openings to install glass, I was wondering what the best paint is to make the plastic look like glass. Is silver the best there is?
Auto glass mostly reflects the blue sky. This is a resin model. I painted the windows with Pactra Aerogloss hot fuel proof dope Bonanza Blue 72-1. Sorry that the photo is so out of focus.
David Starr www.newsnorthwoods.blogspot.com
Many professionally done airplane desk models use a very very pale blue almost white. My suggestion would be to look at some windows and see past the reflection to the colors that are actually there. I know That‘s Not explained very well, but you might be surprised what colors are present.
PS: Silver really doesn’t work all that well.
Jim (with a nod to Mies Van Der Rohe)
The greater the distance you are away, in daylight, they will look nearly black. Same with building windows.
I just had a situation on a historic building, were it actually was build with a "dummy" transom over a door - transon on the outside, but not on the inside because of a staircase.
Some less than educated person in modern times painted the panels behind the glass white - it looked terrible.
When I took it apart, I found black paint under the white paint (as I knew I would).
The owner was skeptical at first, but with flat black panels behind the glass, it looks like most any window you look at in daylight, black background and reflections of what is around/behind you as you look into it.
Sheldon
I use Vallejo Model Color #800 (Sometimes called 70.800 or 70-800) Gunmetal Blue. It looks very convincing.
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-Kevin
Living the dream.
Lower every vehicle by 3 inches, put big chrome wheels on them, and tint the windows black.........
- Douglas
No color really represents glass, but as glass reflects the color of the sky to a degree, my best bet would be a choice of colors according to the sky you intend to have onn your layout from a bluish silver to a dark silverish grey on a rainy day.
Happy times!
Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)
"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"
On a serious note, I totally agree with Sheldon that windows in buildings in daylight look black. Its when the glass is strongly backlit can you see inside.
Vehicle windows are different in that the cabin tends to be backlit from all directions. I think the best answer would be to try to view a bunch of cars in a parking lot from a distance to see what general color the windows appear. Maybe depending upn the viewing angle, there isn't much backlighting so they appear very dark. IDK.
Not everyone agrees with me on this thinking, but I use this formula for lots of scenic stuff.
When you are viewing an HO model from a foot away, that's like being 87 feet from it. How does it look in real life from 87'? What can you see or not see?
Now do that exercise at 3 feet, you are now 261 scale feet away?
I have used gloss black with a bit of dark blue on top as a reflection or highlight.
George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch
Thanks for all the input. It seems I have a lot to learn about painting along with learning about my 3D printer.
Thanks again,
Dave
Grimy Black with a clear gloss coat over it.
Eric
airtrainThanks for all the input. It seems I have a lot to learn about painting along with learning about my 3D printer.
Please keep coming around when you have questions, and feel free to join in the conversation.
SeeYou190I use Vallejo Model Color #800 (Sometimes called 70.800 or 70-800) Gunmetal Blue. It looks very convincing.
Here is a picture of an automobile with the glass painted using Vallejo #800 paint.
Next question: How do I make the headlamps look better?
SeeYou190Next question: How do I make the headlamps look better?
I wpould look into MV Products lenses. Not the "golden-glo" tinted ones but the whiter, clearer types. They offer many sizes and shades of colors.
https://www.hobbylinc.com/m-v-products-086-clear-4-headlight-set-miscellaneous-train-parts-20
You may have to do some scrounging to find the correct ones. Ebay may be your best chance. I found a seller at a train show that had an Athearn "blue-box" full of MV lenses. When I picked them up to take a look he said, "Twenty bucks and they're yours". Yep, they're mine
You can do tiny red ones for some of the tail lights, too. AntonioFP45 has used these on some of his models with success.
Good Luck, Ed
I have a good assortment of MV lenses, but none of the clear ones are small enough for HO scale headlamps.
I will dig around Riverdale Station next time I am in Atlanta. He has a good stock on them on the wall.
When painting a solid window like this, use an old artist's trick. Use a little bit of lighter blue as drybrush streaks. It simulates reflection on the glass.
drgwcsUse a little bit of lighter blue as drybrush streaks. It simulates reflection on the glass.
This is a great trick to use. It helps the illusion effect of the auto glass a lot.
SeeYou190I have a good assortment of MV lenses, but none of the clear ones are small enough for HO scale headlamps.
This site:
http://www.usarmymodels.com/ARTICLES/mvlenslist.html
Has a chart (scroll down) listing the sizes of MV lenses. It may be handy for you when shopping.
If not see through, gloss black.
If they are clear, I would spray with the Clear Smoke color.
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
gmpullmanHas a chart (scroll down) listing the sizes of MV lenses. It may be handy for you when shopping
That is a great chart! Thank you.
Not only handy for shopping, but that drill size chart is also useful to have.
A pessimist sees a dark tunnel
An optimist sees the light at the end of the tunnel
A realist sees a frieght train
An engineer sees three idiots standing on the tracks stairing blankly in space