Customising a 1/18th model

[n3il123]

I'm thinking of getting the Mrs a model mini cooper like she has as a stocking filler for Christmas.

I've found one that is the right colours (Green with white roof) however hers has a chequered roof and stripes up the bonnet.

What's the best way to get some of these made up? obviously I could have a go with MS paint and a printer, however I managed to fail GCSE art so I don't hold out much hope... any ideas before I purchase the model?

Thanks in advance

[Twobad]

There are two ways I'd go about it.
The best option would be to airbrush the markings on, but that presupposes you have access to an airbrush and know how to use it. The second option would be to create your own decals using an inkjet and decal paper. Obviously you can't print white on an inkjet so you'd need some white decal paper, rather than clear, if the bonnet stripes are white.
Design you decals on the PC, print out on the paper then seal the inks in with clear lacquer. After that you can treat them like normal waterslide decals

Beware compound curves on the roof especially. Getting the decals to sit flat on them could be a bit of a sod. That's the main reason I'd airbrush it. You could do the decals in sections though to make it easier, but then you have the faff of trying to line stuff up seemlessly.

I don't know if there's any way of getting thin vinyl transfers made at a sign place. I've never done it but it's an idea.

[jpringle819]

I was doing some research into the Revell 1/12 Mustang and someone recommended using electricians insulating tape for the white strips. Perhaps you could use this.

[Voldemort]

Might be easier to get her car painted to match the model..?

[n3il123]

Thanks for the suggestions chaps, seems to be more of a pain in the tits then I thought, as they were the options that I had come up with!

[n3il123]

Voldemort said:

Might be easier to get her car painted to match the model..?

You could well be right actually.

[dr_gn]

Id use Tamiya masking tape cut into sqares and arranged as a grid on the roof, then remove every other square for the chequers. At 1:18 you could easily use light coats of Tamiya TS spray or Halfords spray cans. You dont need an airbrush.

The bonnet stripes are a simple masking job.

[Red Firecracker]

I've played this game on a real Mini. They're not geometrically correct squares, due to the compound curves on the roof mentioned above. It is something never to be repeated!