Pearl Powders TutorialThis tutorial will discuss the techniques for using pearl powders with model building. This follows the third build layers chart. For this example, I will be showing the effects of spraying pearl powders over a gloss black surface and a white surface. The applications of pearls are endless, and they can be applied to any painted surface to create a pearlized look. The technique I'm using is to mix the pearl powders with a clear carrier and then spray the mixture over an already painted part. The pearl powders can be mixed with paint to create pearlized paints as well.
For this demo, I am using Jacquard PearlEX pearl powers mixed with Mr Super Clear Gloss. I have mixed these pearl powders with Future floor polish as well with similar results. A very small amount of the pearl powders is mixed with the carrier, then the mixture is poured into the airbrush and sprayed out.
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Next up is spraying the part. Begin with a light tacky coat, then a heavier coat.
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Below is the resulting picture for spraying on the base color coat:
Below is another example with a different part. The same process and techniques are used but the pearls are sprayed over a white surface.
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And the corresponding painted part:
Applying a couple of coats of clear gloss will deepen the shine and give the pearl layer a more 3D look.
Below are some additional examples of pearls used in different kits
Yoko:
SD Kampfer:
Saber:
April 8, 2008: Added a tutorial for using pearl powders.