How To: Airbrush a Vinyl Top!

[@pizzamanmodels9989]

Thanks for that video. I don’t have an airbrush. I’m going to try holding a spray can further away to create the texture, and keep spraying to create the effect. Stay safe and well.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

That may work but spray paint is pre thinned.

[@memorylanemodelcars]

Use Testors Spray Can Nozzle Set as Substitute for air brush. $9.00

[@pizzamanmodels9989]

@@memorylanemodelcars thanks for the tip. I’ll give it a try

[@JackFlemingFan1]

Another excellent informative video from you, Raoul and thanks for posting it! How many model cars do you have and why not show a video of all you have built over the years?

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Over 200 built and I glossed over them in my Tour video but that is about all teasing. I plan to show one a week so I some content. Plus almost 100 resin bodies and a few hundred kits in my stash.

[@jkotva22]

Looks GREAT! Love the contrast between the semi-gloss roof and the DEEP shine of the body!!

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thank you!

[@CaptSpeirsB744]

You just made my day. I am currently working on Revell's '65 Chevelle SS 396 Z-16 and I want to do a vinyl top but I couldn't find a technique that I liked the results on till just now, thanks.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Glad I could help! That Z-16 is a nice kit too!

[@timryan1785]

I'm liking this method much more than the tape (I've used it in the past with great results). Thanks for the quick tutorial !!

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks! I did the tape twice and they came out fine but didn’t hold up in the long run. Tape lifting and paint pealing off the tape.

[@morriscustommodelshop8345]

Thanks for the tutorial Raul.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

My pleasure!

[@neiljumpinjackflash7551]

Exactly what I've been researching! Spot on Raoul!

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Great to hear!

[@budakota]

Once Again Another Truly Awesome Tutorial Video... In My Opinion ..Of ALL The Car Modelers On KZbin, Or The World Wide Web For that Matter, No One Thus Far Can Ever Compare To Your DIY Car/Truck Models ,Of How To & Its Final Results For The Paint, Interiors ,Chassis, Engine Detailing Is Soooo REALISM METICULOUS!!,,From Your Many, Many Videos , It Truly Is An Honor For Myself To Follow In Your Many How To ...Foot Steps/Tips!!..Thank You Ever Sooo Much "Muscle Car Modeler "..Take Care & Stay Safe Always !!

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Wow. Thanks!

[@joakimkarlsson9255]

Great! I was waiting for this one. This method feels more "safe" and long lasting than the masking tape. I´d be worried that the tape would be shrinking and peeling. Especially on complicated curves. Also, the texture looks better to me as well.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks.

[@vicsminiatures7949]

Very nice tutorial. Thanks for showing off the technique.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

You’re welcome 😊

[@leroybragdon3096]

Fantastic job

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thank you so much 😀

[@islandrc-duke1972]

Cool paint job and tips

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thank you!

[@motionboy356]

This is awesome! Thanks so much for for this! I’m going to try it with Tamiya acrylic semi-gloss black, and maybe experiment with semi-gloss clear too.🚗🚙

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Great. Hope it works out for you!

[@sericono9077]

It looks excellent! much better than the masking tape. Thanks for sharing the tip. I will try your technique with acrylic paint.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Go for it!

[@thescalemodelcarguychannel8681]

Awesome tutorial Raoul!

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thank you!

[@allanpeters]

Works great, no doubt this technique would also work to simulate undercoating as well. Thanks for the demo!

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Yes it would!

[@seanh2390]

great info / tutorial. thanks for posting!

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thank you!

[@memorylanemodelcars]

I adhere specIally trèated wet/dry sandpaper to top area then paint it for color. To treat sandpaper soak in Warm water & Downy Fabric. Softener then Dry with paper towels

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks for the info!

[@memorylanemodelcars]

You're Welcome. I do high end Npdel car stuff. Like Grafting. Tires to male wider same tread. Glass from clear plastic cookie. Muffin container

[@joesierocinski9754]

Thanks for the tip. I’ll try it on my next build. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thank you!

[@ronstewart9792]

That was great and it looks perfect. Thanks. Ron

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thank you!

[@jeanguy41100]

Great job sir,I will try that,what kind and brand of masking tape are u using,thanks in advance

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

I mostly use the 3M blue that I get at Home Depot.

[@jeanguy41100]

@@TheMuscleCarModeler ty very kindly sir

[@vicm3253]

Excellente work, one question, is the paint you used enamel? Can it be done whith acrylic paint to have the same finishing effect? Thank you very much, your videos are great !!!

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thank you. Yes I’m using enamel paint and it works well for this. As for acrylic, it should dry faster and as long as it is thick, it should work just fine. Just play with your paint thinning ratio and air brush air pressure and you should be able to find a combo that works.

[@scooterdoughmas3012]

really only 20 likes ralph your are inspirational and amazing to say the least knew you talked about showing this loved the vid watched it 3 times as always wait what geez thanks soooo much for sharing dou stay safe scooter d ps nice 71 charger been thinkin of getting on the charger 500's had the 440 motor but not the six pack im guessing ?

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks! I added the six pack!

[@scottwoodward3854]

I love the charger I've seen it finished and it's absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for the tip on making or painting I should say a vinyl top my problem is I don't have an airbrush or compressor so I use rattle cans all the time and I used Tamyia's paint so what do you suggest

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thank you! I don’t think my technique will work. Since you can’t adjust air pressure or how thick the paint is with a spray can. You can try the masking tape method.

[@chrisfloyd4210]

This is awesome , thanks for this method. This will work great on my Nova.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

You're welcome! Worked great on my Yenko Nova!

[@johnohayre7041]

I like the technique. I wish you'd do another to show how you do one with the seams.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks. Whenever I get to the next one I will.

[@RoadRunnergarage8570]

Nice shiny paint job!

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thank you!

[@michaeldeckert6023]

Thank you for this tutorial. Do you put a BB or a small ball inside your bottle paints? I heard it when you were shaking.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thank you! Yes I do!

[@michaelbaykara2322]

This is a very good technique, i was going to attempt the masking but it seemed very too complicated and you said it peels in time so that was a turn off, but you demonstrated that problems with a airbrush can be solutions for other applications. I would be interested to see how you do the seams as well- thanks Raoul.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks! I mention in the beginning How I did the seams on the other two but since this one was seamless I didn't have to.

[@michaelbaykara2322]

@@TheMuscleCarModeler ahhh must have preoccupied lol

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Nice video!!

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thank you!

[@markforster6457]

4:10 - Sounds like you put a few BBs in your paint bottle. That works for me, too. What PSI are you using? I have poor eyesight; I couldn't read the dial. Thanks for this video!

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Yes I do.But don’t shake vigorously! I have cracked a few bottles doing that! Also I spray at 20-30 psi. Usually just over 20. But on this I turn it down to splatter so it is probably under 10 but don’t remember. I just turn it down till I get what I want.

[@stevem5335]

Looks great. I love the Chevelle. Back in the day my buddy had a 69 Chevelle SS, Blue with a black vinyl top. What does the chrome look like after it is textured? Do you paint the chrome or Bare Metal Foil the chrome? If you BMF how is it trying to cut the BMF with the texture. Thanks

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks! We own a 71 Chevelle! That is the cars engine running in all of my videos! The trim is BMF and sanded smooth before the foil is applied.

[@theragingdolphinsmaniac4696]

I'v done the masking tape method and the texture looks too coarse to me, plus the adhesive dries out and the tape falls off. The Classicplastic101 channel demonstrated a method using craft paint and stippling the paint on with a paint brush. It looks good but it takes a while and many coats to get looking right. I'll have to try your method and see how that looks.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Give it a try. It is paint so adhesion is not a problem. Texture size is adjustable by paint thickness and air pressure like I did in my video. Play with air pressure first like I did. Lower pressure equals larger droplets. I like to change the pressure to change the droplets size.

[@theragingdolphinsmaniac4696]

@@TheMuscleCarModeler The only issue is that I'm a water-based paint user, although I'm sure I can get it to work with the right paint viscosity.

[@michaelhintzmikesminiature1812]

Nice Tutorial!!!

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks!

[@Enigma-Sapiens]

Great video and tips, thank you! I've thought about trying to make and use a miniature paint roller to do a vinyl top and see how it looks. The pattern a regular-sized roller leaves makes me think a mini-roller might look good on a model car for a vinyl top.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

That would be interesting! Don’t know how it would turn out.

[@Jimmy-sb3fc]

Nice work!! Question: I've seen air brush attachments that have a needle valve where the hose connects at the bottom. Would tightening down the valve be equivalent to lowering the pressure at the regulator?

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks. Yes, that is a MAC valve. Micro Air Control, it is just that. Another pressure regulator right at the airbrush hose end. You can set the main airbrush pressure at the compressor and use that to fine tune it, down only. Or set the line pressure higher and use it as the main one.

[@Jimmy-sb3fc]

@@TheMuscleCarModeler Thanks so much!!

[@hrm9116]

Years ago, there was a TV sow about restoring cars. Wfen they painted, the first coat was black. After that, they painted with the colors. They felt it but more debth to the color. What do you think about that?

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

To some degree, yes it will affect the final color. Most paint is transparent to some degree. So if it is black base or silver or white. It came brighten or darken the final color. Some paints are better than others! I have experienced this with real car paint. I have used cheap (Dimension) Sherwin Williams black. A quart of that took more coats to cover and ended up only doing a tailgate. Bought same brand and same paint code black but this time Ultra 7000. The better paint cost twice as much but covered the roof and hood! So better quality paint will cover better!

[@gr5535]

Very Nice ! 😀 & you answered all my questions as to air pressure , technique etc . Thanks 👍 , I once tried tape to give it the vinyl effect - it did not go well 😒

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thank you! Hope it works for you!

[@mikecreachbaum9233]

I think it is cool to put vinyl top on your model cars I would like to try doing that to a couple of my cars

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks. I plan to do another video on this subject from start to finish!

[@georgetaylor5482]

I don't think you know how amazing you really are, that is awesome.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

AWW SHUCKS!

[@PhillipJ]

How long do you allow the base coat to dry before masking and spraying the top?

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Are you talking about the clear coat? That I like to sit a week before I do foil or the vinyl top.

[@jeffyoung8726]

Hey man thanks for sharing this video with all of us. Very cool technique on painting a vinyl top on your model car! Until now, I was doing the masking technique. That's okay at first, but then it peels up after a while? This should work pretty well? Rock on dude... ✌

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

You bet! I had that happen to my first few also.

[@georgemcdermott7115]

Great video, can you tell me what size styrene strips you use?

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Yes. I have three sizes I use for this depending on what LOOKS right to me. They are .010 X .020, .015 X .020 and .015 X .030. The larger one is what I used on this roof.

[@Yoglawm]

Very nice, will try - not sure though how it will handle the weather being that it's only masking tape :)

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks! Are you painting the masking tape?

[@Yoglawm]

@@TheMuscleCarModeler I was going to, then I re-watched the video and noticed how much better the finish is done without the masking tape

[@WaffleCopterGAMES]

Can you tell me where I can find the kit for the chevelle? I've been trying to find one since I have a 72 chevelle and I can't find one anywhere.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Sorry but I can't. They used to be plentiful but last issued in 2007. Now they demand a premium.

[@thomastims9583]

Really found this video interesting and I hope I can replicate it. I do have one question tho. Does one type of paint work better than the other ? I would assume lacquer would not work as well as say an enamel. I’m needing to do a white top.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks. Not sure if using lacquer would be an issue. I think as long as it is still thick it should work. Being lacquer might actually help since it dries faster.

[@thomastims9583]

@@TheMuscleCarModeler you may be right. I sure do appreciate your help and keep the videos coming plz. Merry Christmas

[@davebriscoe6529]

Looks great ! I'm going to try this

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Have fun!

[@robertlangham7278]

Great tutorial!

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thank you!

[@markjolyn94]

Great video! Thanks for sharing

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks for watching!

[@markjolyn94]

@@TheMuscleCarModeler You bet

[@dwightatnorthernstar1820]

So how did you clear coat it, since the red has a gloss clear

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks! I did the paint, decals and clear coat and bodywork before I painted the top on. The vinyl top is the last step.

[@geraldgerhardstein2170]

I luv the top technique…. But dial back on the gloss on the main paint ! Thanks for the excellent tutorial.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks for watching!

[@tonytyreman2143]

Looks perfect! .... I have found if I do not thin Tamiya paints and spray from a distance I get a similar look but not as consistent. texture wise..... when I attempt a Vinyl roof I will give your was a try.... i do not like the idea of the masking tape tarnished over time.... to much like the 1:1....i have not tried it, but people could also experiment with Satin or Semi gloss varnish as well as the paint if it comes out not shiny enough or over shiny..... any tips on doing the Mopar Gator grain? :)

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks! Have not tried to do Gator Grain.

[@tonytyreman2143]

@@TheMuscleCarModeler Forgive me..I was trying to think how it could be done? a decal with a satin type clear coat maybe? I have yet to attempt my first Standard Vinyl roof! :) love your work it is an inspiration... i may attempt a channel and if I do I will credit you of course... people like you have got me into the hobby so thank you again.

[@bkmodelcars]

Great tip may have to try it

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks! It's really not that hard to do.

[@bigcharliesmodelgarage296]

Cool. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks for watching!

[@spavliskojr]

Thats a technique id like to use for a textured watch dial.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Interesting!

[@georgetaylor5482]

how wide is the seam on the full vinyl roof?, it looks to be about 1mm or so, what did you use for the added chrome trim?

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

What car? The Chevelle or the Nova?

[@georgetaylor5482]

@@TheMuscleCarModelerthe Chevelle.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

@@georgetaylor5482 I pulled it out of the display case and checked it out. The seem is about 1/16 of an inch or about 1.5mm. The trim was added with Styrene strips.

[@georgetaylor5482]

@@TheMuscleCarModeler thanks so much, I already have the strips in place.

[@rolling03trd]

Would you add a matte clear coat to it to give it added protection?

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

You could but I have not.

[@rolling03trd]

@@TheMuscleCarModeler The reason I ask is because I turn 1:25 scale cars into slot cars and I have been starting to paint my own cars and I was curious if it would be durable enough with or without a clear coat. If it needs a clear coat would it still have the same look.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

I think it would add to the durability a little bit as far as handling and cleaning, but the added layer of paint it may chip easier. Not really sure how much stress a slot car body goes through.

[@bfdzvalable]

Love it!! How did you create the seams on the other roofs?

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

By overlapping the paint. On the Chevelle I painted the sides first then painted the center section. On the nova I just masked the strips and did a few layers of paint to build the seam up. Then painted the whole roof. That worked out better.

[@JHartModelworks]

Very cool tip!

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks!

[@tcarroll311]

That was awesome

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Great!

[@mikepoindexter9849]

That was cool.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thank you!

[@samuelvasquez8170]

Great tip

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Glad it was helpful!

[@luizchevelle7218]

Thanks! I did not want to use the masking tape method. Regard from Brazil.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Glad I could help!

[@stevepaine8113]

thanks

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Welcome