I have been wanting to try my hand at a Spectraflame paint job for quite some time. However, I did not want to go down the airbrush rabbit hole. Good news I finally found a different solution that offers similar results. Below is the three step process of creating your own spectraflame paint job.
Step 1. Sanding: This is the step that takes the most time but is the most important. I start with 320-400 grit sand paper to remove the casting lines. Then I move to 600-800 grit to start smoothing out everything. Finally, I move to steel wool starting and "0" and ending at "0000".
Step 2. Polishing: I just started using the Mothers Mag and Aluminum Polish shown below with a "bullet" style buffer on my Dremel on the low RPM setting. (I bought mine at Walmart for about $6) Use a liberal amount of the polish to make sure that you do not cause burn marks. Also make sure to wear eye protection and a grungy shirt this stuff gets everywhere.
Step 3. Painting: The paint that I used for mine was Krylon Stained Glass - Tangerine and Soft Blue. I bought mine at my local Ace Hardware for about $7. Micheal's also carries Red, Green and a darker Blue for about $10 or less if you use a coupon. The key is to use very light coats and about wait about 20 minute dry time between coats. I used about 5-6 coats on with the Blue and about 8-10 with the Orange. To get a darker or deeper color just apply more coats.
It is very difficult to get proper pictures of the final results but here you go.
This is a mock up of my Hot Wheels Redline McLaren M6A resto-mod that I am working on.
Thanks for reading, I hope you learned a thing or two from this quick DIY write-up.
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Comments (10)
I've been having great results with the Duplicolor Metalcast paints...
It really is tough to take photos of shiny subjects especially if the light isn't diffused enough. So oftentimes the only solution is to lean into it -- find an angle that has a continuous white line on the body and punch in on that.
Love the colour on the Vulcan, by the way. It looks so different and cooler than a mint candy.
Thanks MJ. I will try that method and see if I can diffuse the light more.
The Vulcan has such long smooth lines it works well with the spectraflame style paint.
beautiful! Another one to try when I get the chance. Thanks
This is something I need to try as soon as I get my workspace back. Thanks for the info and the great photos. In my never-ending battle with rattle cans, I refuse to throw in the towel...
I’m glad I could keep the fire burning. I would 100% recommend waiting until you get your workspace set up to try it. I set up a makeshift paint booth in the bathroom (because of winter in Colorado), not the brightest idea. Don’t let the rattle...
Read moreDefinitely going to give this a try!
This is such a good method and it really looks like spectraflame!