Mainline Railways was a British model railway brand that operated between 1976 and 1983, introduced by Palitoy, the...
Valid to UK only - excludes oversized items
Mainline Railways was a British model railway brand that operated between 1976 and 1983, introduced by Palitoy, the...
A Wickham Trolley is a small railway maintenance vehicle once widely used across Britain's railways. Built by D...
The Blue Riband subbrand was a significant step in the evolution of Bachmann Branchline, the UK division of Bachmann...
Applying a camber to a tight curve of track on your model railway layout can help improve the realism and operation...
A well-designed model railway is more than just a collection of tracks and trains: it’s a miniature world that...
To paint metallic effects without an airbrush in scale modelling, follow these steps:
Use High-Quality Metallic Paints
Opt for brands like Vallejo Metal Color or AK Interactive. These provide a smooth finish even with a brush.
Thin Your Paints
Metallics can be thick and grainy, so thin them slightly with water or a compatible thinner. This helps avoid brush strokes.
Apply in Thin Layers
Build up opacity gradually with multiple thin coats rather than one thick layer.
Use a Soft Brush
A high-quality synthetic or sable brush helps achieve a smooth application and minimises streaks.
Dry Brushing for Highlights
Lightly load a dry brush with metallic paint and gently sweep it over raised details to create a realistic sheen.
Blending and Feathering
Use a damp brush to soften edges between light and dark metallic areas for a smoother gradient.
Gloss or Satin Undercoat
A black gloss undercoat enhances the metallic shine and depth, especially for silver and chrome finishes.
Polishing for Extra Shine
Once dry, gently buff the surface with a soft cloth or cotton bud to bring out the shine.
Weathering and Washes
To add realism, use dark washes to shade recesses and edge highlights to emphasise details.
Sealing Your Work
Use a gloss or satin varnish to protect the metallic finish and maintain the shine.
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