Painting windows and windshields

[marianas_gamer]

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

[Hammers]

... 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.

[gamer Mac]

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.

[Hammers]

There you are. This could be another sticky eventually.

[marianas_gamer]

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

[former user]

yep

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

how about switching the window/windshield for some clear plexi?

[gamer Mac]

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
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

Clear plastic windows


Another picture of my method of painting windows, smaller window panes.

Also on a round window (Sorry not a very clear photo but you get the idea)

[former user]

yes, that's a very true point

who was the gamer who used shaded plexi for this purpose?

[marianas_gamer]

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




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

[Geudens]

A while ago, I posted my version of the infamous vessel here:

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

Rudi

[marianas_gamer]

Yup Rudy,
I remember yours now.  Its a great paint job but have you sunk the poor beast yet by firing that monster gun?!? 
LB (secret Bengal Club handshake)

[HerbyF]

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.

[former user]

you mean you cover solid windows after painting with a plastic sheet?

interesting Idea
you possibly have a picture?

[HerbyF]

Some times if the solid window is inset enough

[redzed]

There's THIS LINK at the FOW site demonstrating how to paint windshields.