How to Design Flames on Model Cars
Adding personalized finishing touches to a model car is a great way to add flair. Flames are a classic way to dress up a fancy hot rod or truck. While decals available at most hobby stores can be convenient, it adds to the cost of the project and may not feel authentic enough. Designing them by hand can be a painless process that adds to the appeal of the project.
Pick a design - Going online and finding images of
paint jobs on real cars is a great way to get ideas. Some styles may
be better suited for a specific type or shape of car than others.
Choose one that fits your model best.Practice sketching - Rather than
going straight to the model, try sketching the design you want
several times on a sheet of paper first. This will allow you to be
more comfortable with the motions needed and offers a chance to make
any adjustments or modifications you may desire before moving onto
the actual car.Sketch on the model - Taking a
pencil very lightly, draw on the model itself. It is important to use a pencil as opposed to a pen, as in the event of an error a pen can
not be erased. If there has yet to be a base coat of paint used, the
task is less difficult. Most mistakes or unused flames can simply
be covered. If there has been a base coat already it's important to
try to keep any errors or spur-of-the-moment changes to a minimum.Paint with care - Once you are
content with the sketching, it's time to move onto painting. What
colors an individual uses are entirely up to them and their
preferences. Start laying down a thin coat using a small detail
brush to create the basic outline. It's ideal to start from the left
and work right. This ensures a more fluid motion on the hand and
creates sharper lines.Finish up - Once the outlines
are completed, it is time to fill in the remainder of the flames,
starting once more from the left and working right. If the flames
have multiple layers it is best to wait until each layer is dry
before moving onto a new layer. Once everything is completed, take
one last look for any places that may need touching up before adding
any gloss or paint-sealing product.