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Other Stuff => Workbench => Tutorials => Topic started by: marianas_gamer on 14 September 2009, 11:29:59 AM

Title: Painting windows and windshields
Post by: marianas_gamer on 14 September 2009, 11:29:59 AM
I'm currently working on painting up my Minimi steamer and have gotten to the glass.  Does anyone have advice on how to paint these up nicely keeping in mind that I have 5 thumbs on each hand.  I'm sure that I have seen this well done on the forum, but as usual have not been able to find it in my searches. Thanks.
LB
Title: Re: Painting windows and windshields
Post by: Hammers on 14 September 2009, 12:07:41 PM
... I have 5 thumbs on each hand. ..

If they are all opposable you're in trouble. To your question, I am sure I saw an article on that recently. I think Cptn Blood was involved in the thread or if it was something in the Geezers thread... Make a search.
Title: Re: Painting windows and windshields
Post by: gamer Mac on 14 September 2009, 01:29:59 PM
I paint mine Black first then a coat of dark blue, leaving the edges black.
Then, for a square window, I paint a “L” in one corner using a lighter blue. Make the first “L” quite thick. Then I paint a thinner “L” using a lighter shade and then once more using a very light blue almost white. The “L” shape should also get smaller each time.
Using this same light colour I then paint a small “L” shape in the opposite corner. Then finish it off with a single dot of white.
This method can be used with other colours as well, red, green etc
It can also be used on round windows using curves instead of “L” shapes.
Below is an example of one I painted.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/3/1912_26_05_09_10_35_40_3.JPG)
Title: Re: Painting windows and windshields
Post by: Hammers on 14 September 2009, 01:33:28 PM
There you are. This could be another sticky eventually.
Title: Re: Painting windows and windshields
Post by: marianas_gamer on 14 September 2009, 09:30:28 PM
Thanks Gamer Mac,
I actually have that picture in my computer archive as a reference.  Wow, you totally fooled me.  I thought  that you had used some form blue tinted clear plastic. Did you paint in the porthole reflection that appears on one pane?!?  If so, I'm even more in awe of this great steamer.
LB
Title: Re: Painting windows and windshields
Post by: former user on 14 September 2009, 11:16:46 PM
yep

this looks extremely convincing
but with minimal effort and the right fingertip feel

how about switching the window/windshield for some clear plexi?
Title: Re: Painting windows and windshields
Post by: gamer Mac on 15 September 2009, 10:44:22 AM
Thanks Gamer Mac,
I actually have that picture in my computer archive as a reference.  Wow, you totally fooled me.  I thought  that you had used some form blue tinted clear plastic. Did you paint in the porthole reflection that appears on one pane?!?  If so, I'm even more in awe of this great steamer.
LB
The round bit in the middle window is supposed to be my version of the spinning window (don’t know if it has a real name) that throws off the rain, as you see on some ships windows. I drew a circle on the white card I used for the window. Then I painted around it dark blue, with just a blue wash over the circle. Then a couple of high lights around the edges until it looked right. It turned out a lot better than I thought it would.

former user
very minimal effort :D
this was just a rush job. I am sure if you take your time the effect could be a lot, lot better than mine. But it looks fine on the model when it is down at table level.

As for putting in clear plexi it then means your have to detail and paint the interior, more work
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/3/1912_20_07_09_2_00_37_0.JPG)
Clear plastic windows

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/1912_11_03_09_12_09_41_3.JPG)
Another picture of my method of painting windows, smaller window panes.
(http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp223/gamerMac/DCP_1501.jpg)
Also on a round window (Sorry not a very clear photo but you get the idea)
Title: Re: Painting windows and windshields
Post by: former user on 15 September 2009, 11:04:16 AM
yes, that's a very true point

who was the gamer who used shaded plexi for this purpose?
Title: Re: Painting windows and windshields
Post by: marianas_gamer on 15 September 2009, 01:32:29 PM
Well, I had some time to paint tonight and I tried out your technique gamer Mac.  Considering that I am ham handed I feel pretty good about how my steamer turned out.  Here are a couple of pictures to show the results
(http://i511.photobucket.com/albums/s360/marianas_gamer/MinimiSteamer004.jpg)

(http://i511.photobucket.com/albums/s360/marianas_gamer/MinimiSteamer005.jpg)

And here is one of the Steamer loaded with cargo.  Now I have to get some cargo hatches and a hoist made

(http://i511.photobucket.com/albums/s360/marianas_gamer/MinimiSteamer006.jpg)
Title: Re: Painting windows and windshields
Post by: Geudens on 16 September 2009, 12:28:51 AM
A while ago, I posted my version of the infamous vessel here:

http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=12103.msg138969#msg138969

Rudi
Title: Re: Painting windows and windshields
Post by: marianas_gamer on 16 September 2009, 08:38:14 AM
Yup Rudy,
I remember yours now.  Its a great paint job but have you sunk the poor beast yet by firing that monster gun?!?  lol lol
LB (secret Bengal Club handshake)
Title: Re: Painting windows and windshields
Post by: HerbyF on 16 September 2009, 08:47:22 AM
I usually paint a dark grey blue or brown the a wash with a metalic silver that doesn't cover very well. Some times I ad the plastic that is used for figure packaging. If the window is not solid but just an open hole, I use the plastic by itself. The plastic is easy to cut & there is plenty of it around so if at first you don't succeed just try again.
Title: Re: Painting windows and windshields
Post by: former user on 16 September 2009, 08:59:47 AM
you mean you cover solid windows after painting with a plastic sheet?

interesting Idea
you possibly have a picture?
Title: Re: Painting windows and windshields
Post by: HerbyF on 16 September 2009, 09:14:26 AM
Some times if the solid window is inset enough
Title: Re: Painting windows and windshields
Post by: redzed on 16 September 2009, 11:47:15 AM
There's THIS LINK (http://www.flamesofwar.com/Default.aspx?tabid=110&art_id=727&kb_cat_id=27) at the FOW site demonstrating how to paint windshields.
Title: Re: Painting windows and windshields
Post by: Hammers on 17 September 2009, 08:13:12 PM
This is very useful so I made it sticky. Hopefully we can get Overlord to post how he paints his shop windows.
Title: Re: Painting windows and windshields
Post by: Bungle on 17 September 2009, 08:25:44 PM
I don't know if anyone likes these

(http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a331/BungleB/DSCF1987.jpg~original)
For driving along roads


(http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a331/BungleB/DSCF1959.jpg~original)
For general closed landscape

Background dark blue at top going lighter as it gets lower.

Light colour blocks to represent buildings, with darker blocks over the top for closer buildings

could do with some reflections and dust still.
Title: Re: Painting windows and windshields
Post by: former user on 17 September 2009, 08:29:14 PM
absolutely ugly
yukk!

please wash and apply new paint... ;)

oh this is actually a paintjob?

wow

even with painted skyline....
the rusting technique??
Title: Re: Painting windows and windshields
Post by: Bungle on 17 September 2009, 08:42:57 PM
OK i'll strip and start again.  :'(

Rust...

dark brown/umber shapes, with repeated washes of brick red inside, topped off with a thin orange wash
Title: Re: Painting windows and windshields
Post by: former user on 17 September 2009, 08:56:32 PM
thx

so brushwork only?

stunning