Hobbies And Interests
Removing Paint From Train Models
Model trains generally come with factory paint schemes, but you can repaint an old model to add color and luster, or you can change its colors and designs according to your planned scenery. You need to remove the old paint by soaking the model in a paint thinner. Scrub off the old paint using a toothbrush. Once all the paint has been removed, dry the model overnight before applying new paint.
Repainting Train Models
Before painting, use a very fine-grained sand paper to clean off dust and any remaining paint, and wipe the model with a dust-absorbent cloth. Apply a metal primer to the model to protect it from rust and let it dry. You can use acrylic paint as the topcoat to cover the primer̵7;s color. Paint the model with your desired colors and let it dry for another 24 hours. Apply lacquer (for luster) and decals after the topcoat has dried.
Gallery Glass Water
For water effects, apply some glass paint on top. Gallery glass is available in various hues, but the best choice for this type of job is a crystal clear paint with a surface that can be fashioned into rippling, flowing water. Other options are blue and green gallery glass. For darker options, to imitate deeper water levels, just paint green or blue hues on top of the gallery glass.
Ground Cover
Using either a 2- or 3-inch brush and a light brown or flat tan acrylic color, paint a 2-foot square area. Sprinkle a little green ground foam or a liquid earth tone undercoat pigment thinned with water. Allow it to dry, then add more bushes and ground cover. If you want a wet mud look, you can add dark shades of brown in patches.
Coloring Plaster Rocks
Color plaster rocks with a combination of 70 percent alcohol and India ink washes, or diluted black leather dye. Before actual application, try the prepared coloring agent on a bit of scrap plaster to see its actual color when dried. Color usually dulls on plaster when it dries, and you may need to recoat a few times if you want to achieve a darker coloring effect.
Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is used to apply details and small embellishments on rocks and other surfaces. Carefully dribble some bleach with a tiny dropper on the cliff face and allow the bleach to settle into the crags. Dry brush the rock edges with some white paint to produce highlights. Dip the paint brush to collect paint, then wipe off most of the paint on a rag or paper towel. The brush should then be quickly dusted across the surface of the rock work.