I have a question for one of the countless modeling experts (scale, not
fashion!) on the list:
Technical / engineering pens are mentioned in the Painting FAQ as an
easy
way to do black-lining. Are they equally effective on both primed minis
AND regular model plastic (I'm guessing it's made out of polystyrene)?
I recently picked up a couple of snap-together 1/144 scale Gundam Wing
mecha, and while I'm too lazy to paint them, I'm convinced that black-
lining around the armor panels would add a lot, and tech pens seem the easiest
method.
I'm looking for recommendations. What brand should I get if I'm looking for
an inexpensive, widely-available (in the US) technical pen that won't
smudge on (unprimed, unpainted) model plastic?
Incidentally, these kits are pretty nice. About US$12 for a 5"-tall
giant robot. They seem about right for Stargrunt, but I'm more interested in
utilizing them in Full Thrust for Super Dimensional Fortress Macross style
scenarios.
Thanks for any assistance.
-SRB
(formerly trapper@nwlink.com)
> I recently picked up a couple of snap-together 1/144 scale Gundam
Can't comment on US brands from over here.
Few inks are likely to adhere well to polystyrene. When you have a pen, try it
first on a piece of scrap plastic. If it smudges, you may want to a) prime the
model (with clear, matt varnish) and b) cover it with varnish afterwards.
If the inks sits halfway well, you may dispense with the priming.
Greetings Karl Heinz
> KH.Ranitzsch@t-online.de wrote:
> Few inks are likely to adhere well to polystyrene. When you have a
I've used Rotring technical pens for shading 1/300th armour. The trick
is to buy ink designed for marking overhead projector sheets. This will adhere
nicely to most *clean* surfaces, I've managed decent coverage on
semi-gloss
models (ie ones where the matt paint hasn't dried properly). So, look for a
suitable ink and you should be OK.
In the US, you can get both the Rotring and the Staedtler pens.
> Date: Tue, 05 Sep 2000 09:47:35 +0100
rotring tech pens have been in my miniatures painting arsenal with years of
success. please note that plastics usually have some light oil on them (from
the injection mold). therefore, i wash them with light dish detergent, water
and an old toothbrush. this allows any kind of paint or ink to better adhere.
(just don't forget which toothbrush is which!)
dave
> At 10:31 AM 9/6/00 -0400, you wrote:
While not as fine as technical pens, there are fine-tipped felt-tip pens
sold for marking on photographs and other non-absorbent media. Should
stick nicely to plastic, and can probably be had at the local photo store.