They call it snakey (paint mask by zeroack)

[ik632]

I used one of zeroack hex masks and sized it up to 150% (the wasp one) so it's a bit larger. Then printed on paper, trimmed out all holes and then had a nice mask.

For paint job, I misted the areas I wanted to make black speckles (with black metallic) then did a stripe down the center. After that (with the black still tacky) laid the paper on top of it and sprayed through. This gave a good pattern, but with fuzzy edges. After a few coats of metallic green, I backed it with more metallic black. I also stuck some angel eye led headlights in. They point out and to the side because the tires would hit them, actually looks sweet at night.

[Joe&Jeep]

Looks great, you did an awesome paint job.

[ik632]

Thanks. I think my next thing is to pick up an airbrush and then start to do some fancy stuff. It's funny though, how some simple techniques and a little careful masking can make some sweet effects.

[fernando]

Looks like it's ready to strike. Cool looking paint job.

[HARDKNOCKZ]

Very cool. I still use paper masks for a lot of smaller gigs.

J.D.

[Highlucks]

That is cute

[ik632]

Thanks guys. I'm finding that I am enjoying painting as much as building and driving. We're re-doing the garage for a father's day/b-day gift to me so part of the plan is a paint bench where my compressor will be mounted and have small shelves for the paints and stuff.

The best part about the little Traxxas bodies is they come pre-cut and the decals are for the windows so you don't have to mask the windows from the inside.

[Hoosierdady]

that looks great man. Another way to do snake skin is to use a plastic loufa (body washing sponge type thing) and take it apart in the middle. You spray the body with the base color (black) Then take the net and stretch it over the body and paint the body with the main color you want.

[ik632]

Looks like you painted on the outside of that body, is that right? I did the inside so the order should be reversed. When painting the outside you put down your base and then use the mesh to mask what you want to keep. From the inside, you use the mesh to mask what you don't want to paint.

I like what you did there, very subtle. I've also ready you could use fishnet stockings but I think you'd get some weird looks while buying at the store

I guess the hard part would be when doing an interior paint job (how to hold the mesh to the curved interior). For external it would be super easy (just stretch over the outside).

[Hoosierdady]

yup, it was on the outside. That was a basher I did. I wanted the flat black on the outside with something to set it off. And no, I would not want to ge the guy in line at Walmart with some fishnets.

[ik632]

And just imagine the conversation with the wife or girlfriend, "hey honey, can you pick up some fishnets while at Walmart for my... hobby?" haha

[Hoosierdady]

Originally Posted by ik632

And just imagine the conversation with the wife or girlfriend, "hey honey, can you pick up some fishnets while at Walmart for my... hobby?" haha

Better yet, try to save face at the checkout, walking through the store. So picture a grown man, walking through the isle with some fishnets in hand..."No really, its for this RC car Im building..."Think I'll use Ebay if I need some fishnets for a paint job.

[ik632]

I've been laughing since post #9 on this one.