THE BASIC LOGIC
The planes, and all machines, are mostly made of metal. So it is appropriate that the edges of the panels, prone to wear and rubbing, are highlighted with a metallic color.
Although the proper appearance of thin metallic lines made in this way is barely visible, the metallic shade suggests the idea of an entirely metal surface. Thus, the use of True Earth's METALINER increases the realism of the models, and helps to reduce the toy-like appearance of painted plastic.
NEAT AND SHARP PANEL LINES
First you need a thin fabric and lint-free cloth, preferably synthetic tissue, moistened with water and wrung out.
Shake the chosen METALINER tone, and spread it undiluted with a brush into the panel lines with a round n.1 or 2 brush. Less is more, avoid useless excesses.
Gently remove excess almost immediately, with the rag firmly wrapped around a finger. Nothing more is needed.
Work on very small areas at a time, and almost immediately the model can be handled safely.
UNDERLYING PAINTS
It is preferable to apply Metaliner over satin or semi-gloss paints. Spread a thin layer of True Earth's Crystal Lock clear paint, and let it dry for several hours before the Metaliners application.
SOME TRICKS
Directly take your Metaliner from the tip of the bottle when you use it. Alternatively to a common cloth, you can use the fine microfiber cloths for home cleaning, or make up rubber sponges for applying foundations.
These sponges fit well on rounded shapes. For best results they must be soaked a bit more compared to cloths.
WORN EFFECT
For a worn effect act as above, but using an almost dry cloth. Streaks and sccratches will be created, as a worn and scuffed paint.
After about a couple of hours you can further reinforce the effect, creating a sharp paneling as explained above, with a different tone of METALINER.
The use of Metaliner allows a perfect definition of even the finest details.
METALINER COLOR TONES
The five tones of Metaliner be used to your own taste, but here are some suggestions depending upon the model colors:
- Metaliner Dark , for all colors and for airplanes in metallic tones
- Metaliner Warm for cold colors, splinters, camouflage containing cold colors
- Metaliner Mid Metal for all colors and planes in metallic tones
- Metaliner Plain Alu for dark tones and / or wear on all colors
- Metaliner Light Alu for dark tones and / or deep wear on all colors
