Aztecing

[Dark Star]

Such as in the D. How are or how have most of you done ths?

1. Prime, paint base coat, then aztec, lastly a sealer-clearcoat, future, etc....
2. Prime, base, aztec, them a light coat of the base to blend it in, sealer
3. Other not counting decals

I was just wondering because I don't want the aztec to scream out so should I just use a slightly darker color to aztec then seal or go with a darker color aztec and lighten with a little overspray of the same base color?

I don't want it to disapear as well so I'm leary of the over spray method.

Thanks

[hansebee]

really depends on the contrast you want to achieve. I mainly use variant 1. In some cases even an azteced layer of the base color with just *one* drop of darker or lighter color does the job simply by adding a few more nanometers of paint with faint edges. I especially like to add a silver or other metalizer component to the base color, if done right you will even make out the contrast shine through the clear coat finish. It simply reflects the light differently. And if you want to go for a pearl effect like the Star Trek motion Picture Enteprise try to spray a delicate clear layer of glossy aztecs onto the (usually) flat clearcoat finish. It's kind of a strong effect but looks gorgeous reflecting direct light from an angle.

I also tried method 2 a few years back, I handled it like preshading on the base color and it kinda worked but not for an effect that is supposed to be even across the entire model (f.e. the geometric aztec pattern on the Enterprise saucer) You have to overspray the pattern 90% which sounds easy but actually requires some serious airbrushing skill. One swipe too many with your airbrush and you get a distinctively better covering in one area, and it WILL stand out! Moreover while the cover paint is still wet it always looks slightly different compared to its dried state, making it even harder to guess how well you are doing during airbrushing.
...well maybe it's just MY lacking skills :-D