using nylon mesh as stencil/pattern problem

rolly · Post by **rolly** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 6:57 pm

hey guys,

i was just wondering if anybody have tried using a nylon or any fabric mesh to paint patterns on your models. my problem with this is that the fabric doesnt stick to the shape and therefore when painting, since the mesh is not directly skin tight with the model the pattern is not visible.

i scratch built a whitestar type model and i wanted to have a skin pattern of honeycomb shapes. first i tought of using a perforated metal mesh which has a honeycomb pattern and the problem with that is that i do not have access to that. anyways while i was at a dollar store i came across a laundry bag for small delicate clothes. i believe the fabric is nylon which has the same pattern for way less.

i was just wondering if you can use any non-harmful glue to temporarily glue the stencil to the shape. at the moment i have a gunship gray as my basecoat and i wanted to apply a mesh stencil for my light sea gray coat which will simulate the veins pattern and shadow skins.
i was thinking of using a paper mache glue (flour and water or even liquid starch) to glue the mesh on the model. then, once dry, paint the model with light sea gray and wait a full 24 hours to immerse the model in water and hopefully the glue holding the mesh dilutes and the mesh comes off.

so my problems right now or what i am not too sure off are?
- will the paper mache glue or other glue will help me contour the mesh to my model
- will the paint be damage once it completely dries, and i immerse the model in water?

any toughts?

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 10:06 pm

I've generally stretched the fabric tight and clipped it with clothes pins for paint. Doesn't work in all applications but can get a nice effect.

As far as a glue goes...I guess you could try spraying the fabric with a liquid mask and then tack it dow while still wet.

rolly · Post by **rolly** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 3:46 pm

well the fabric mesh is not stretchable, i can try that spray mask, can you recomend the brand and exact name of the spray mask.

i saw some brush-on mask from my local hobby store but did not see any spray on mask.

thanks

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 3:49 pm

It's just a brush on mask thinned to go through an airbush. You could try dipping the mesh into the bottle, might work. You're walking into unknown territory... Rubber cement might work also...

modelnutz · Post by **modelnutz** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 5:43 pm

Super 77 applied lightly to the fabric just might hold the mesh in place.