discussion Painting Lens' on aircraft lights

[Waspie]

I wish to paint the landing lights on my Helix (Part E15 below). It is grey plastic that has been primed and a coat of base colour applied.
Now, these are the white lights similar to the headlights on a car.


I had the idea of painting the lens initially silver then applying a coat of transparent crystal paint over the top to replicate the glass.

My question!
Am I going in the right direction or is there a better more realistic method you guys use?
Thanks in advance.
Doug

 

[Mark1]

That's the way I do them Doug.

 

[Guest]

Seems right to me Doug.

 

[yak face]

Thats about it doug , although you can also use canopy glue ( Kristal kleer , etc) instead of the clear paint , cheers tony

 

[Guest]

I wish to paint the landing lights on my Helix (Part E15 below). It is grey plastic that has been primed and a coat of base colour applied.
Now, these are the white lights similar to the headlights on a car.


I had the idea of painting the lens initially silver then applying a coat of transparent crystal paint over the top to replicate the glass.

My question!
Am I going in the right direction or is there a better more realistic method you guys use?
Thanks in advance.
Doug

If you have a punch & die set - this is how I do mine.
First punch out how many discs you want from a thin sheet of 'silver' paper that has been trapped between two sheets of say printer paper. This will make sure the punch goes through. Then put a thin coat of gloss varnish on the lamp itself. Then I use a cocktail stick or similar that is wet with a bit of saliva (spit) and touch it to the silver disc and that should lift it and allow you to place it on the still wet varnish. Allow it to dry and then add your 'lens' (varnish or other product).
Now that took longer to explain than it does to actually do it....
Quick pic to give you an idea, this was done using red or orange paper.
Cheers
Mike.

 

[Flip]

Doug,

A couple of ways...

1) Paint with a shiny metallic (e.g. Tamiya Sparkling Silver - LP48), then a clear gloss coat (Tamiya LP-9)
2) Use a Molotow 1mm Chrome Pen

Depends which finish you prefer.

 

[Waspie]

Doug,

A couple of ways...

1) Paint with a shiny metallic (e.g. Tamiya Sparkling Silver - LP48), then a clear gloss coat (Tamiya LP-9)
2) Use a Molotow 1mm Chrome Pen

Depends which finish you prefer.

Thanks for that. I ended up using a metallic chrome covered with a crystal clear coat. It's on the underbelly so not visible unless you turn it upside down. (Then then the rotor head(s) fall off!).

 

[Ian M]

A bit late but get yourself a Molotol Chrome marker pen.. They come in different sizes. They really are chrome in a marker. try one you will not be disappointed.
As for the lens you can buy a product such as Glue and glaze which holds a good dome shape and dries totally clear. I think its from Delux materials.

 

[Waspie]

Thank you Ian. Both sound useful for future builds.

 

[boatman]

OR Duog fit a 2mm white led in the lens an it will look lke a real light then like i do on my planes
chrisb

 

[Waspie]

OR Duog fit a 2mm white led in the lens an it will look lke a real light then like i do on my planes
chrisb

Hahaha, nice thought Chris but never happen. Electrics and me simply ain't compatible!!