How to Detail Model Cars
Model cars come with all of the parts you need to complete the model, but they don't always come with the paint you want or the decals you need to make the model look complete. If you want to give your model cars detail then you're going to need to invest a little extra in some additional components. Adding detail to a model is relatively simple, and the more creative you are, the more interesting your detail work will be.
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Instructions
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Paint your model cars using acrylic, water-based paints. Prime it with a white or black primer (black is good for helping create shadows) and then apply a base coat in the color of your choosing. As you proceed, add highlights in lighter tones to help create more definition.
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Use decals to create details that would be too difficult to make otherwise. Perfectly straight lines are very difficult to paint, for example. To use decals for your models, place them in cold water for about 30 seconds (until the paper backing begins to warp). Then, using a brush, gently pull the decal away from the backing and slide it onto the car where you want it.
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Paint custom designs on your car however you want. Many modelers love to create hot rods and go out of their way to paint their own flames on their cars. To paint flames just start with brighter yellow and create your base flame design. Then mix several progressively darker colors (orange to red) and go back over the flames little by little to blend them together.
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Customize your model according to your own specifications. For example, you might want to have the driver's side door open, but it doesn't do so automatically as part of the model. With a heated hobby knife and a steady hand, however, you can cut the door away from the frame and secure it in an open position.
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Buy paints and hobby supplies from TheWarStore.net (see Resources below). In addition to paints, brushes and all the glue you could ever need, you'll also find manuals and guides for creating custom detailing that will help you improve with practice.
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Tips & Warnings
Try other products around your house that look good in miniature form. For example, you can use gauze you'd find in a first aid kit to give a convertible a true cloth top. You could also use the cotton from cotton balls and glue it to the muffler to simulate exhaust. There's no limit to what you can come up with if you look at products around the house in a different light.
Don't use paint thinner on plastic miniatures if it turns out you make a mistake painting. Paint thinner will degrade the plastic and ruin its shape. It's better to use brake fluid or Simple Green cleaner to remove bad paint detail.
