has anyone ever...

[integra818]

Has anyone ever sandpapered a tire to make it look realistic,if so what kind grit did you use and did you get good results?i sanded the tires on my cart feddex champ car with 800 grit and i got god results,anyone ever try this?why am i even asking?i know someone tried it before i just wanna see pics of how it turned out

[Murco]

Oh, yes! It's a major part of the overall look of a kit and sets the replicas apart from the "models"!!
My method starts with wrapping masking-tape around the drum sanding wheel from my Dremel set until it closely fits inside the tire I'm working on. I run the dremel with the tire attached and sand the entire tire (sidewalls too) with a 4-way nail file until I get a mild sheen from the sidewalls and rougher texture on the tread area. After washing I apply any decals to the tire and allow to dry for a week and then paint the entire tire with semi-gloss clear laquer. The results are drop-dead-on and will set your model apart from the crowd!
One caveat, this won't work on the soft Tamiya tires - it turns them into gum! For Tamiya tires, sand with a nail file by hand!

BEFORE

AFTER

ON THE CAR!

[integra818]

interesting tecnique,tires look ver realistic,Anyone ever do something with sandpaper???

[fatboyslim]

Read the FAQ page there's a thread on 'How to' do just this, but I suppose everyone has thier own way, do whatever you find gives you the best results!!

[primera man]

I sand mine with a 400grit to rough up the tread and to remove the seem line though the centre. Then i use a 600 to smooth it out a bit, but i still like to give the tyres a "worn" look. Once i have finished sanding them they are given a good wash then i apply Tamiya Wax to add a bit of colour back into them. This pic was taken during building my CLK and before wax was added to the wheels.

[935k3]

Originally posted by integra818
interesting tecnique,tires look ver realistic,Anyone ever do something with sandpaper???

I do sand all my Tamiya tires. If you use a dremel it has to be the variable speed type set to the lowest speed. I use 400 grit wet on the tread area only. Move the sandpaper back and forth do not hold it in one position constantly. If there is any melting you have the dremel set too fast. After sanding wash tires thoroughly and mount on wheels. I first apply a coat of water based acrylic satin(Poly S) on side wall only,let dry a few minites. Apply decals and wait a few minutes then brush on 1 or 2 coats of acrylic Flat to seal and bury the decals.