Metal Scracthes

[IronWarrior777]

I am making a lot a props and costumes out of paper and cardboard and was wondering what are some of the techniques people use to paint metallic scratches on something? Also how to make something look shiny or metallic with basic paint?

 

[Risu]

I'm definitely no painting expert, but if you're trying to get metallic paints to look more like metal you can put down a coat of gloss black underneath to make them smoother. The best way I've seen to make something look like painted metal with some damage is drybrushing silver paint onto the corners and various other wear spots. I don't have one on hand, but I'm sure somebody could link you to a video tutorial.

 

[IronWarrior777]

That sounds good, thanks!

 

[g05ty]

I'm definitely no painting expert, but if you're trying to get metallic paints to look more like metal you can put down a coat of gloss black underneath to make them smoother. The best way I've seen to make something look like painted metal with some damage is drybrushing silver paint onto the corners and various other wear spots. I don't have one on hand, but I'm sure somebody could link you to a video tutorial.

This is exactly right! for a tutorial you could search for Games workshop and look for one of their guides im sure they have something online ( but i cant be sure it has been years since i last looked) :thumbsup

is this band effect the kind of thing you are trying to do???

 

[IronWarrior777]

Yes, is that band made of metal?

 

[tubachris85x]

Are you going for a worn all-metal piece? Or like something painted with scratches w/ metal beneath? If it's for like a replica weapon, base coat it in black, use a decent silver spray over the object. Spray the primary paint needed over it. At that point, what I do, is take like a sanding sponge, and gently take it to the edges and such that a real world object would get in time.

Another method I just learned from Sean Bradley's tutorial, is to put the silver base coat, and then take like one of those disposable brushes you get at Home Depot, using toothpaste as a masking fluid, brush along the areas you want to appear "weathered," then spray your primary coat over it. After that's dry, wipe off the toothpaste, and it should reveal pretty realistic scratches!

 

[Betamin]

When I made my Solo ROTJ blaster, I painted it with semi flat black spray paint, and then did a "dry brush" technique with silver paint for a worn look on the high points. Here's a pic of how it came out...

Not hard to do, you just have to be careful you don't overdo it.

 

[Hirohawa]

Flat black and Run N Buff silver also look excellent.

 

[leach145]

I have used several different methods for achiving scratches depending on what size I am looking for.

The GW style dry brush is a tried and tested method and really easy. Best on dark base. Dip brush in silver, remove almost all of the paint on cloth/tissue and then brush in the direction required. Remember to take almost all of the paint off the brush and slowly build up the layers. The problem with this method is that if you try to do it too quick and put too much paint on at once you can end up with a fake looking scratch.

For pitted style scratches, ie paint removed by elements such as a 'sand blast' the sand and hairspray technique is good. Mask and spray area with hairpray then dust on sand. Remove masking and spray area. Then once dry gently wash area with sponge and warm soapy water, then hairspray comes off and tou get a pitted look. This method is best on large panel areas.

The final way I used is to basecoat the piece then spray in silver. Mask out the large chips and scratches with masking tape or fluid then spray over with desired colour(s). As a note a good method for this can often be seen on Fett helmets where the first over spray is done in a primer colour, a little more masking is added to the edge of the scratch and then the top coat is added. This means when the makking is removed it you can see both the 'metal' and the primer layers. This method is quite time consuming.

On all three methods don't forget to varnish at the end. Also look at reference pix before you start so as to achive a realistic scratch.

One last thing is about picking the colour of the scratch. I know it sounds obvious but think about how old the scratch is. Newer scratches use brighter lighter shiny silver. Old scratches use darker silver or weathering tehniques.

Sorry for the epic post. As you can see it did not feel there was a simple answer!! Have fun!