Temporarily Modifying Vehicles Unit Emblems or Tactical Symbols (1 Viewer)

[bradleyl30]

I have been thinking about the possibility of temporarily modifying some of my vehicles unit emblems or tactical signs. For instance, I just ordered the new K&C Sd Kfz 222 in grey, but want it to be GrossDeutschland rather than Totenkopf (SS.) It seems like I might be able to find some material that I could use to stencil on a stahlhelm symbol over the death's head. Then maybe use one of the 1/32 emblem/decal makers to adjust the license plate.

Generally, I am not looking to do a complete repaint, but change some of my AFVs and other vehicles symbols in a way that is non-permanent in case I want to resell them one day. In other words, turn most of my SS vehicles to 11th Panzer, 24th Panzer or Grossdeutschland temporarily.

Has anyone tried this?

Thanks,

Larry

 

[theBaron]

Hi, Larry, you might consider using the vinyl material that sheets of press-on letters are made of. You can get them at the office supply stores or in the stationery aisles of some grocery stores, or craft stores. It might be a little thick, but you can cut it with an X-Acto knife. We sometimes use that material to make masks for painting canopies.

Prost!
Brad

 

[Mitch]

I know a mate who asked me what to do in a similar situation. The only thing that I thought of doing which, he eventually did was put artist masking fluid onto the model then allow it to dry and paint it grey. let it dry then use waterslide decals on top. if you get sick then you literally just rub off the masking fluid and, it causes no harm at all to the original paint.

Be sure not to use rub off transfers like archer or, you will rub the masking fluid off. other than that I cannot think of anything that would at the least not show some kind of lines like using vinyl unless that would not bother you
Hope it helps
Mitch

 

[bradleyl30]

Very interesting, Mitch. I will look into it and let you know my results!

 

[Mitch]

Look forward to it. Use a really decent flat brush as you want the mask to be as perfect as you can get and, same applies to when you paint over when its dry. This will give a realistic finish for when you apply the decal.

Mind, you could always just say hell with it and paint them out permanently I wonder when looking at E-bay etc whether the price of the armoured car will ever go above what it is now. You would also have bespoke one of a kind AFV's
Mitch

Very interesting, Mitch. I will look into it and let you know my results!

 

[noli-poli]

I use Archer's Dry Transfer ddecals. Once applied, burnish it (or dab w/ q-tips). Do not coat w/ clear paint as it will seal it permanently to the surface. When ready to remove, simply apply a scotch tape over the decal, warm it with your fingers for about 2-3 minutes and pull the tape out. The decal will adhere to the tape and now ready for another unit application.

N-P

 

[bradleyl30]

Look forward to it. Use a really decent flat brush as you want the mask to be as perfect as you can get and, same applies to when you paint over when its dry. This will give a realistic finish for when you apply the decal.

Mind, you could always just say hell with it and paint them out permanently I wonder when looking at E-bay etc whether the price of the armoured car will ever go above what it is now. You would also have bespoke one of a kind AFV's
Mitch

I have seen some bespoke ones go for more than the originals. If I get good enough, I will definitely do it. Currently looking at a cheap listed Sd Kfz 250 from K & C as potential target since I already have one that I will keep original. I am going to try to alter the second one just to look like its companion to create a two vehicle diorama.

If I want to do a total repaint, do you think I could use the art mask in a air brush? Probably will start with smaller, but just wondering.

Btw, my only concern with resale is the day the fiance/wife looks at me and says, "We need more money for kids' college..." or some other critical item. Then, do I need to sell some or all of my collection.

 

[bradleyl30]

I use Archer's Dry Transfer ddecals. Once applied, burnish it (or dab w/ q-tips). Do not coat w/ clear paint as it will seal it permanently to the surface. When ready to remove, simply apply a scotch tape over the decal, warm it with your fingers for about 2-3 minutes and pull the tape out. The decal will adhere to the tape and now ready for another unit application.

N-P

Very cool!

 

[Mitch]

I would think the art mask is only good for these very small jobs I would not think it would work for a whole AFV. Its very sticky stuff so, its probably not going to go through the airbrush and, the mask I use for covering areas already painted smells really nasty. Like wet nappies!!
Mitch

I have seen some bespoke ones go for more than the originals. If I get good enough, I will definitely do it. Currently looking at a cheap listed Sd Kfz 250 from K & C as potential target since I already have one that I will keep original. I am going to try to alter the second one just to look like its companion to create a two vehicle diorama.

If I want to do a total repaint, do you think I could use the art mask in a air brush? Probably will start with smaller, but just wondering.

Btw, my only concern with resale is the day the fiance/wife looks at me and says, "We need more money for kids' college..." or some other critical item. Then, do I need to sell some or all of my collection.

 

[MikeHock]

Great tip! I'm gonna give some of these a shot. Thanks all.

 

[noli-poli]

let us kknow which one worked best for you. Happy modeling!

 

[bradleyl30]

I will report back in the new year. Got an airbrush and artists masking fluid on the Santa wish list!