1/32 Revell Colonial Viper MkVII

[The_Jackal]

Kit manufacture: Revell
Scale: 1/32
Type: Colonial Viper MkVII
Extras used: None
Paints and colours used: Tamiya Dark Grey for the main colour on top of Magnesium metalizer and hairspray for chipping. Decals were damaged a little with a sharp knife, then weathered with Flory Dark Dirt, then selectively darkened with a thin mix of Flat Black and Red Brown. Finished off with Xtracrylics Flat Varnish.
This was my first go at hard weathering with chipping as this was only a fiver from TK Maxx.
The kit went together great with filler only needed for the seam under the outer edges.


Viper_MkVII_1 by jackaldesigned,on Flickr


Viper_MkVII_4 by jackaldesigned,on Flickr


Viper_MkVII_3 by jackaldesigned,on Flickr


Viper_MkVII_5 by jackaldesigned,on Flickr


Viper_MkVII_8 by jackaldesigned,on Flickr


Viper_MkVII_6 by jackaldesigned,on Flickr

[slipstream 1985]

that looks awesome

[Red Firecracker]

I like that. Could you expand more on the hairspray bit?

[The_Jackal]

Sure, the hairspray technique is a way of chipping to reveal the coat of paint underneath.
First I sprayed my metallic coat (or whatever primer colour you want to expose) and sealed it with Future.

When that is all fully dry you then spray a coat or two of hairspray (cheaper the better). I found on some test pieces that you want this a reasonable thickness as this is what dissolves to allow the top layer to chip off. (too thin and too much paint comes off too quickly).

After this is dry (only half an hour or so) you can then spray your top coat. Again make this a reasonable coat as if it is too thin the paint will just dissolve as soon as the water touches it.
Again let this paint dry and then with a short stiff brush you lightly wet the area you want to chip.

As the water soaks in, it dissolves the hairspray layer and allows the top layer of paint to be removed. Depending on how thick the layers were will determine how easy/hard the paint comes off.

You really must try this on a scrap model and try to keep how you spray on the paint and hairspray consistent so you can replicate it on your actual precious model. As you will find out it is a very variable process, but a little practice will help.
Oh also Tamiya acrylic paints are recommended as the best to use for the top layer.

I hope that wasnt too long and wordy. There are YouTube videos but you will only learn by actually doing it.

[Red Firecracker]

Cheers. I've used a simpler method before of just pressing Scotch tape into the paint and whipping it off (see pic below), so always good to hear of alternative techniques.