Black shading on windscreens.

Any tips for the black shading around the edges of windscreens on modern cars? When the "lip" to paint up against is on the inside, I use a thin wash to flow up to the 'lip'.
Then get the black & paint the rest. Satin or gloss, it dosen't matter, since we are looking at the black through the windscreen.

But the 2003 Camaro thats on the bench, has the 'lip' on the outside of the windscreen. Any thoughts on the best way to attack the problem?

Thanks in advance,

Chris

mask 'n spray

Ditto.

To cut the mask you could lay a single layer of wide masking tape on the outside of the screen, then using a brand new blade, cut the tape using the 'ridge' as a guide. The carefully remove and apply to the inside.

If you mean the inside black areas of glass as on full size vehicles, some builders use those "paint pens" which seem kind of big to hold. I have heard of some modelers going over the inside areas of the clear plastic up to the lip with a "sharpie" or similar small point marker, but some inks penetrate into the plastic, so care and practice are recommended.

I use a black permanent marker by Sharpie. It will eventually soak into the plastic but if you mess up you can easily clean it off with Rubbing Alcohol and start over.

Some Examples.



Black Trim around rear and quarter windows.



Fine edge around windscreen.



And this is my Magnum I did the same with all windows on this car.



I found using a Sharpie Permanent marker gives me greater control of where I want to color in. I have used 3M Blue Masking Tape on some harder jobs like the Magnum. I hope this helps.

Chris I think I would still paint it from the back side of the glass I just don't think it would look right by painting it from the outside. If the line where its marked is prominent enough I think I would mask it off on the outside and use the line to mark it and make a template then carefully peel that off and transfer it to the backside of the "glass" at least then it would match up with the lines on the front when you were finished. Of course this is all just an idea of mine and it's your model to build as you see fit lol. I've used several things to do the shading on different models but the method you described using thinner and allowing brush paint to "flow" up to the edge is probably the best for medium size shading. For larger areas such as a nascar type or funny car etc I mask it off and spray paint it, for really small jobs (such as to simulate weather stripping) I use a sharpie. Good Luck whatever way you decide to go.

Chris

I tend to use a sharpie on the modern trucks too but I use a masking tape called eurostar tape it is a very low tack and is perfect as it won,t damage any painted aria even if applied onto a painted aria as normal masking tapes do.

I think the best way to go is to mask and spray it black. I know it take time, but the result is great. Personally I don't like the sharpie pen, because the final glossy color, that looks kind of reddish.