Tinting a canopy

comrade harps · December 28, 2010, 04:41:14 AM

I'm whiffing up a Lockheed S-3 Viking and nearing the canopy stage, which I'm currently dreading because I've got no idea on how to tint the clear bits, which a Vikings kinda needs. I don't have an airbrush, so something that can be done by hand, dark but see-through.

Any suggestions welcome, please.

beowulf · December 28, 2010, 05:31:31 AM

future/kleer with a drop or two of food colouring in it might be worth a try,................seen it done to the 'glass' on 1/24 cars

sotoolslinger · December 28, 2010, 06:06:43 AM

CH go get some india ink and add it to your kleer or future . You can brush it right on and it self levels. Or just dip your parts and let drip dry.

John Howling Mouse · December 28, 2010, 07:57:26 AM

I've dipped my canopies in a combination of Tamiya's "Smoke" and Future for a good, dark effect, too.

I just used a small bit of double-sided tape attached to the short end of an "L" shaped strip of cardstock and dipped 'er in. At the other end, I had the cardstock pre-folded to make a sort of upside-down "J" that I used to hang the strip from my worklamp's arm.

puddingwrestler · December 28, 2010, 01:11:26 PM

I believe Tamiya's 'Smoke' glass tinting paint for cars is available in a rattle can, you could try that. I'm sure there are other window tinting pints available for use on model cars - why not have a scrounge around some model car forums and sites?

Cliffy B · December 28, 2010, 04:48:08 PM

Along the same lines, how about getting the gold tint for a Prowler's canopy? They have gold worked into the glass in order to shield the crew from the radiation of all of the ECM equipment. Would Future and a few drops of Testor's gold do it?

FAR148 · December 28, 2010, 06:22:18 PM

Quotehow about getting the gold tint for a Prowler's canopy?

Try Future and yellow food coloring!

Steven L

comrade harps · December 28, 2010, 11:27:18 PM

Thanks guys. Actually, quite like the gold tinting idea.

Ta, I'll experiment a bit and give it a go.

The Viking's nearing completion and just needs the ordance, canopy and decalling.

NARSES2 · December 29, 2010, 01:23:44 AM

Quote from: FAR148 on December 28, 2010, 06:22:18 PM
Quotehow about getting the gold tint for a Prowler's canopy?

Try Future and yellow food coloring!

Steven L

Yup, that's the way to go

Steel Penguin · December 29, 2010, 05:02:27 AM

i used a mix of tamiya orange and yellow on my TSR2 ( http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,28276.0.html) and it doesnt look too bad. do it by leaving the canopy on the sprue paint then remove and add the frames carefuly.

Gondor · December 29, 2010, 08:16:01 AM

A modeller years ago showed me the lovely 1/72 Wasp helicopter he had build with dark green roof panels. When he said they should have been clear green I then asked him why not use Tamiya Clear Green. To which he replied.... I didn't think of that. Perhaps a similar answer is required here?

Gondor