Starship Modeler - Tip o' the Day

Printing Translucent Backdrops

[Science!]
Category:

Detailing

Submitted By:

Si Beech

Tip:

I botched up a number of models as a kid trying to paint the impulse engines or warp engine lit bits but stumbled upon the idea of printing the translucent bits. Use an ink jet printer and the ink jet transparencies used of overhead projectors. Make sure you get the right kind of transparency paper for your printer. Most office suppliers do them. Use a drawing or painting software to produce blocks of the appropriate colour to the right scale. You can create grades of tone from yellow to red which look great when lit from behind. You then cut out the print and glue it in place on the inside of the model.
I also did the engines for my ERTL Millenium Falson in a similar way. I drew the engine detail on Photoshop, printed it onto the thickest photopaper I could find and glued it onto the back of the model. The ink is tough enough to survive a varnish if you're careful but I suggest using a spray method rather than brushing.

More Tips, Tricks and Techniques

Tips database last updated 21 July 2014

Reader Tips:

Search for tips on:

Add Your Own Tip

Got something to share? Simply send us an eMail with your name and your scale modelling tip, and your tip will be added to the database. Please note - we review all submissions and edit or delete those which need either before they are posted.

DISCLAIMER: These procedures and practices represent the recommendations of the members of the Starship Modeler readership. These ideas are not necesscessarily endorsed for their saftey or results by the staff of Starship Modeler. The reader assumes full responsibility for any and all results stemming from the application of the procedures and practices listed here.

Go back up | Starship Modeler Home | Site Map | Feedback

Tip O' The Day