Model Forum / General / Models / June 2007

Hi William,
Although not an expert in the weapon you are trying to simulate, here are
some tips - for what it's worth!
1. when working with resin, cleaning off all mold release is the most
important part.  I usually soak my resin parts overnight in Wesley's
whitewall cleaner, available at any auto parts store.  This will not damage
the resin but cleans off all of the solvents & mold release oils.  Rinse it
in warm water & let it air dry.
2. for painting the metal finish I would recommend the Alclad system, this
is a more durable finish than the Testors metallizer line.  There are
several shades, but a aluminum shade would probably be the closest to the
nickel, I would not use the chrome for a pistol unless the pistol in the
movie looked like chrome.  There is special primer available for the Alclad,
but any lacquer based primer like Krylon or Duplicolor will work with it.
To simulate the brass underneath where the plating is rubbed off I would use
a drybrushed method and a standard Testors brass paint.  This will allow a
little control.
3. The wood finish is a whole separate thing that takes some practice to get
right. there are several different methods, but a good way to learn various
methods is by looking on the World War 1 modeling website.  One of my
favorite ways is to paint the wood area by brush a acrylic flesh color for a
base/primer.  It is ok to leave brush marks & uneven coverage as this will
help to simulate the grain.  After it dries comes the tricky part. I use an
oil paint - Windsor & Newton Burnt sienna in the small tubes works for me.
I thin it out quite a bit and brush it over the acrylic, being sure to use
the brush to replicate some grain.  a little thicker & darker color can be
drybrushed when the basecoat dries.  Takes some practice but looks great
when done right. But be sure to mask off the metal before letting the oil
paint flow.
Practice on something else before going tto the resin pistol and I'm sure
you will get what you want.
Dave

First, who made it?  My son would love one.

Now, as for the gun.  If you want to have metal worn donw there are a
couple if ideas for that.  

Paint the metal bronze with a spray can of enamel paint.  Then, using
acrylic paint paint it chrome or silver.  Use an abrasive, whether
sand paper or a nylon scrubber, rib it on the edges to bring out the
bronze under it.  

I would probably prime the resin as well before the bronze paint.  

Ohers may have other suggestions.  Other ideas involve use of a salt
wash under the silver paint that can be rubbed off to show bronze
below.  

Painting the wood to look like real wood at this scale is a trick.  I
would probably try using oils over acrylic brown paint and making the
grain with darker brown paint.  After it drives well I would paint it
with a couple of coats of clear gloss to protect the finish.  

Good luck.

Lance