Most Realistic Carbon Fiber

[Aoc13]

Who makes the most realistic carbon fiber for models? looking to get some for next project be first time using carbon so want to get a good one.

Thanks
Aoc13.

[MPWR]

There absolutely is no 'most realistic carbon fiber'. It does not exist, because it cannot.

Carbon fiber has too variable and subtle an appearance to model in a small scale correctly and objectively. A decal just can't completely capture it, and neither can paint. A big part of the problem is that the appearance of CF actually changes depending on the environment you're viewing it in.

So the very best that can be done is to use something that 'reminds you' of the appearance of CF. Some people associate alternating metallic and black stripes with CF. Some people think of metallic dots. If this is how CF looks in your mind, great- you've got lots of choices to find your favorite pattern. But to be correct about it, CF will only look like this if it is in direct sunlight or lit by a photographic strobe. It's incorrect if you're using it to represent parts that are not brightly lit, or even inconsistently lit. For some people, it's better to represent the color correctly then to worry about the pattern- try gloss black mixed with a bit of metallic grey and/or gold. Some people associate a woven surface texture with CF- SMS hi def somewhat simulates this.

But the point is, there is no right answer. You can only pick what looks best to you, and that of course is up to you.

[Aoc13]

simple answer would of done but thanks for going into detail much appreciated. i will just need to buy a couple and decide what i like then. i've seen you can use a mesh and spray over it to give the effect to?

Thanks
Aoc13.

[energon]

Personally I like Scale Motorsport's c/f the best. I think it looks the best, though what MPWR says is true. You can't REALY capture the look of c/f in a decal or paint. But IMHO I think that SMS does the best out of everyone.

[Aoc13]

Originally Posted by energon

Personally I like Scale Motorsport's c/f the best. I think it looks the best, though what MPWR says is true. You can't REALY capture the look of c/f in a decal or paint. But IMHO I think that SMS does the best out of everyone.

Thanks im going to get a selection of decals to decide i think sure i'll find a use for itall or ebay it lol ..

Thanks
Aoc13.

[vrossi85]

I think the best is from studio 27 or KA models followed by scale motorsport's hi def c/f. Studio is very realistic because it is somehow printed with 3D texture, closest to the real thing

Ro

[Enzoenvy1]

SMS, hands down my favorite.

[cyberkid]

For looks:
SMS
For application:
Crazy Modeler

I use SMS for most of my 'obvious' parts, meaning that the CF'ed part will be easily seen once the model is completed.
If all I need is a presence of CF and the part won't be fully or easily seen I use CM... It's easier to apply, sticks better, and shapes better. But the weave IMO looks 'fake' compared to SMS.

My
Steve

[Aoc13]

Originally Posted by cyberkid

For looks:
SMS
For application:
Crazy Modeler

I use SMS for most of my 'obvious' parts, meaning that the CF'ed part will be easily seen once the model is completed.
If all I need is a presence of CF and the part won't be fully or easily seen I use CM... It's easier to apply, sticks better, and shapes better. But the weave IMO looks 'fake' compared to SMS.

My
Steve

Thanks thats the sort of answer i was looking for cheers

[CeeElle]

Originally Posted by energon

Personally I like Scale Motorsport's c/f the best. I think it looks the best, though what MPWR says is true. You can't REALY capture the look of c/f in a decal or paint. But IMHO I think that SMS does the best out of everyone.

i'll second that. i'm using a variety of patterns from Scale Motorsport on my WRC Focus and am quite pleased with the results. The decals also respond wonderfully to Solvaset.

[Hiroboy]

It depends also what you are trying to replicate, some makes suit situations better than others.
This is a list of most on sale today
http://www.hiroboy.com/catalog/advan...carbon&x=0&y=0