Transparent Pearl Paints And Effects

[Thomas E. Johnson]

Has anyone here ever used these types of colors? I assume that by layering them over each other, over a specific solid base color, will yield a more "organic" looking surface, and some interesting color variations. I have a bunch of them that I got from WASCO, and they do seem to have a variation in intensity and a non uniform look to them, which I suppose one should expect since they are meant for painting fish replicas. Has anyone here used these types of paint to create effects on models?

[Kylwell]

I've used various pearls, transparent, and interference paints and inks. It takes a good shaking to keep them mixed. You can get some great effects with them via layering and what not.

You'll get your most intense colors on white, but they work over various colors.

[Jonas Calhoun]

What he said.

Some interesting effects can be had with transparents over metallics, too...I've done that for taillights, etc. I tried to make a glowing nacelle effect with blue over silver. Didn't come out perfect, but the seed is there for me to do more experiementation.


Dan

[SpaceDuck]

New to the board but with 30 plus years af custom auto paint I'll add FWIW:

Originally folks found that by grinding up real pearls you'd get a "shimmering" effect when suspended in paint usually within a clear top coat. Long ago (and far away) you could still by 'Murano Pearl' at a custom paint supplier but it was kinda pricey! Later, synthetics came along but those who have seen both (or are just old school) cling tightly to whatever 'real pearl' stash they may have! That was most often in a blue cast or silverish, back then. Nowadays they have a whole spectrum of synthetics though but quality of the effect varies widely by brand. An automotive 'Paint Jobber' (paint store) can sell you products made by PPG or House of Colors and while it's synthetic, it's 'pretty good'. WallyMart just started carrying some new pearls in their model section where they used to stock the Testor's paint line although I haven't tried any of those? Craft stores also sell certain kinds although (besides those meant for the auto painting business) I've only used some that I've found in an Art Suppy store?

Pearls 'show' well over white but even better over BLACK! They'll 'wash out' over a metallic color though and while you might be tempted to add lots of pearl you get the most dramatic 'light shifting' effect in less than full doses although a heavy dose will have it's 'own look' too with the most 'shimmering'. Definately experiment to see what suits your taste.

Later with synthetic paint effects came 'prismatic' (color shifting) offerings too. These are different than pearls and alot of interesting effects can be done. Alclad markets something like four 'shades' such as Green to Gold or Copper red to Green. My favorite is the one I'm out of, which is something like Blue to Ultra-violet? Like pearls, you can combine/mix these. Since pearls and prismatics are usually suspended in a clear coat you can either mix, shade or panel paint, highlite, as you desire. These kinds of topcoats can be used to surprise folks, with a change of color that only happens at a certain angle or lighting condition, if used sparingly or be more obvious if used in heavier doses although ultimately either pearls or prismatics will eventually 'color' the base coat more and more as you add to it.

Give em a try and have fun!
SpaceDuck

[Thomas E. Johnson]

Thanks Spaceduck. That was very helpful.

[TREKKRIFFIC]

Cool. SpaceDuck apparently has loads of experience with paints and finishes. A valuable addition to the forum. Welcome !

[SpaceDuck]

I should've mentioned that while the 'professional' products are usually only available through an Automotive Paint distributor/store (which I frequent) you very well might look one up in the phone book and go visit. For one thing I absolutely prefer using 3M brand tape (I like green, but some like blue) which when bought in 3/4 inch rolls are then easily cut to any width by laying it upon a clean piece of glass (a modelling desk must have) and cutting down to as thin as a sixteenth inch. You get a clean edge, any width which will conform to curves, bumps and whatever so much better than a stale roll bought elsewhere. I also prefer it to Tamiya tape, 3M 'Fine Lne' and anything else I've ever used. Yes, because of the volumes they move the tape is 'fresher'! It's also much cheaper than buying from a retail store. Last time I think I spent a buck and a half versus the three to five dollars at places like Home Depot which don't even carry the vibrant lime green tape I use. It's made for professional paint masking needs and conforms very well without leaving any residue even days after being laid down.
Size up the salesperson and if they're friendly just explain you're a modeler who needs access to 'good products' and they might even break down the bulk quantities they usually sell in- for instance on my last trip I explained I wasn't neeeding the large bottle of Pearl additive (usually enough to paint several vehicles!) and would they please just dispense some into smaller bottles, for a price? They keep the stuff in the backroom where they mix paint to formulas and pearls are often required nowadays. I walked out with model paint sized bottles of silver and blue pearls for only three dollars! Yes, I know these guys, but the point is that they have access to great products and while it usually comes in very large quantities (when compared to a modelers needs) you can sometimes strike a relationship and get what you want. It seems that most real life auto painters cut their teeth in childhood on models, like me!

If I'm long winded, forgive me. I'm always glad to share what I might think I know to help anyone find something new to further their modeling!

Thanks for the kind words gentlemen!

Duck Dodgers of the 24 1/2 Century!

[TER-OR]

You can get pearl powders from House of Kolor.

You can buy them in paints or just the powders. The powder can be applied in Future, but as Kylwell mentioned - keep it well-mixed.

I just dipped an SF aircraft canopy in Future slightly tinted with greeen ink and green pearl powder. It's subtle, but when the light catches it right - it's cool.