Taillights

[Heep]

OK, I'm supposed to paint the clear taillights, then press them into the place for them that I've painted chrome silver. Do I paint the red and orange onto the outside of the taillights, or the inside?

[Jay!]

The backside. That way you won't see any brushstrokes.

Man! You chugging right along! Don't you have homework to do or something?

[Heep]

OK thanks

[pkw1]

instead of painting chrome silver, you may also try using thin foil on the back as well for some larger flatter surfaces for larger tail lighted cars..

that works great too

[Guiddy]

Originally posted by pkw1
instead of painting chrome silver, you may also try using thin foil on the back as well for some larger flatter surfaces for larger tail lighted cars..

that works great too

Yeah! Just don't paint the back of the light with silver! You must have a bit of space between lense and back plate!

[Guiddy]

Originally posted by Heep
Do I paint the red and orange onto the outside of the taillights, or the inside?

It takes time too, at least 3 coats, with full drying time between! Don't rush this bit, it shows!

Always paint only the inside too, as Jay said!

[primera man]

The Bare metal foil is the way to go instead of the paint. Gives a nice finish to the light.

[Heep]

How do I get the foil to stay there? Just glue it? Also, how do I glue the tailight to the body? Wouldn't the glue show?

[Guiddy]

The foil is self adhesive, so that is that problem solved!

You will have heard of us guys using a clear glue which is water based, and you need to get yourself some of that!

It comes under various guises, I use 'Krystal Klear'. But I got something similar from my local Craft store.

Dab a little on the corners and place in position. I then smear a little round all the edges, then wipe away with a damp cloth. The little that remains in the gap is enough to glue it in there.

DON'T use plastic glue or super glue! The damage it does is tremendous!!!

[Heep]

Thanks for the help, but foil is self-adhesive? What kind of foil are you using?!? I was just thinking like cooking tinfoil or something...

[Guiddy]

Originally posted by Heep
I was just thinking like cooking tinfoil or something...

THen you have a problem with adhesive!!!

No, I wouldn't use cooking foil unless you plan on sticking it in the recess for the lights!
Don't attempt to stick it on the back of the lights, whatever you do!

If you can't get 'Bare Metal Foil' which is a purpose made product we use! (Hey, who said modelling is cheap!) Then there is a Roll of tape you can get which is shiny silver! Try hardware stores!

[Heep]

Hmm, I dunno if I can get any of that stuff here.

That's what I was thinking with the tinfoil though, glue it into the light recess.

Any real problems with just using the chrome silver paint?

[Guiddy]

Originally posted by Heep

Any real problems with just using the chrome silver paint?

Nope!!!

[Jay!]

It's just that once you start using all this extra stuff, it's hard to go back. You're better off painting them for now... You'll get in to the super-detailing soon enough.

[Heep]

Originally posted by Silver S2000
Man! You chugging right along! Don't you have homework to do or something?

Nope! This is why I took up modeling...I have WAY too much spare time...on weekdays I average a mere 3 hours of class per day, and I haven't had any homework yet...