Tips : How to paint wheel bolts

As Marco_WRC asked me last week here's how I achieved this:
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1- I cut a small piece of the plastic bag in wich Tamiya puts their parts.
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On this pic I hold the small piece between my fingers and it is not easy to see. So, I added a paper piece which is about the same size to make it easier to figure out what I am doing.
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2- Then, I fold the piece to form a corner so it will be easier to jam between the bolt and the wheel ... again I used the paper piece to make it easier to see.
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...with the paper piece:
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That way you can paint the bolts with Chrome silver with a brush without having to worry about putting paint everywhere. The liquid paint will spread automatically all around the bolt because of capilarity. You can re-usethe plastic piece for each bolts as it will get easier to hold on. Be careful to use the plastic piece on the same side each time !?!

Next step is to use a wash to bring out all the detail of the tamiya wheel
A wash is made from dishwashing liquid, water and acrylic paint. Depending on the paint brand, you will need to adjust the amount of each ingredient. The soap allows the paint to be removed instantly when you touch it with a q-tip for example after it has dried for 1 hour.

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I used Tamiya German Grey XF-63 because it has the same color as brake dust.

Here is what the wheel look like before and after the wash.
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Sorry for the bad quality on that one but my batteries are low... need to charge them:mad:

Don't be affraid to put the wash solution everywere and generously... it is very easy to remove(Of course you need to test your receipe on a scrap part first :D )

As soon as I can, I will finish it by removing the excess paint/wash with a Q-tip. Come back later for more pics!

Interesting technique, i usually just use a very fine brush but may try this out next time;)

Thanks for sharing.

I usually use a fine brush too, cotton buds for after cleaning and I will use acrylic paints becos its much easier to clean and take off.