How to simulate valour seats and vinyl seats

[GMP440]

What are good methods to simulate valour type material on seats? Also, how to replicate vinyle? Thanks.

[charlie8575]

Vinyl is best replicated using semi-gloss paint, or flat paint with a semi-gloss or satin clear overcoat. Gloss paint with a flat over-coat might also work.

As to velour, I've seen some of the textured paint at craft stores and the big chain and independent hardware stores. Some of the colors look really good for interiors, too. I've thought of grabbing a can of it and experimenting.

Charlie Larkin

[Steve Keck]

Charlie's response got me to thinking. Krylon makes a paint labeled as suede. IIRC it is limited in colors.

I've developed an airbrush technique that I really like for 1/12th scale velour. It requires an airbrush. If anyone is interested then PM me and I will share the technique - it's a long winded explanation.

For vinyl shoot flat colors then use the oil off your skin, like forehead and the sides of your nose, on your finger tip. Rub the oil into the flat. The resulting sheen will hi-lite the high points of the upholstry.

[Foxer]

I've developed an airbrush technique that I really like for 1/12th scale velour. It requires an airbrush. If anyone is interested then PM me and I will share the technique - it's a long winded explanation.

I say post it here, Steve, That's exactly what the question was. Sounds interesting ..

Edited July 30, 2010 by Foxer

[Eric Stone]

I don't have a pic, but I've used some Duplicolor metallic paint, like Steve suggested, and brushed on some acrylic flat clear. While the clear was still wet, I "hammered" it with an old toothbrush, so that there was a slight stippling effect with the toothbrush bristles. It came out good, better than the straight brushed-on flat did. I should've sprayed the flat, I guess, but it seemed like brushing was easier at the time.

[charlie8575]

Charlie's response got me to thinking. Krylon makes a paint labeled as suede. IIRC it is limited in colors.

Thanks for jogging my memory, Steve. I think that's the stuff I was thinking of. Next time I'm at one of the chain craft stores, I'll check and see if that was it, assuming I remember.

I never thought of metallic paint under flat for velour. I might try a little on some scrap to see how it works.

Charlie Larkin

[59 Impala]

What I used on these Studebaker seats is real soft plastic with the diamond shape for seat covers. What I don't remember is, is where I got the plastic. I think it was a wraper from one of my wifes make-up stuff. I had to glue it with Elmers glue and then clamp it so it would stick. After it dried it looked like real vinal seat covers.

Dan

[Steve Keck]

I say post it here, Steve,

OK I will. I was drafting it today and started questioning what I was typing - it's been a while since I used the technique. I will test it tomorrow then post it here.

[Steve Keck]

OK, sorry, life got in the way of my plans to post my faux suede technique.

Here is a test shot of Krylon Suede. It's perfectly acceptable to me but it's limited in colors.

So, here's how to expand the available colors to those in the Tamiya XF series:

This techniques works for larger scales, like 1/12th.

Materials and tools:

Tamiya flat acrylic paint from the XF series

Dullcote lacquer

Lacquer thinner

Baking soda

Stirring stick small enough to reach the bottom of your airbrush cup

Airbrush. I’m using a Paasche VL with No. 3 needle and cone.

I strongly suggest you practice this on scrap first.

Mix Dullcote and the XF paint at 1:1

Thin this mixture 1:1 with lacquer thinner

Your goal is to stir in as much baking soda as the above mixture will absorb. And still be able to shoot it.

Use about 40 psi and shoot from maybe a foot away.

Clean the airbrush immediately or the mixture may turn to concrete.

Treat the finished surface carefully as it will be delicate.

Here’s a 1/12th scale F1 seat and steering wheel I just did:

[PeterC(MrMondeo)]

Awesome tip , i may try that to get the effect i want on the chassis of a car so it looks like it has underseal on . Sweet cheers for that

[Harry P.]

Like everyone else is saying, semi gloss is best for vinyl.

For velour, I use metallic paint and dullcoat it. Velour cloth is a smooth surface, no texture to it but it does have a "metallic" look to it because of the way light reflects off the fibers of the material.

I think some of you guys are missing the boat here. Steve's right, velour doesn't have much "pile" or texture to it, and whatever texture there is would be invisible in scale. The shiny metallic look is what makes velour velour... not a pronounced texture.

[BHarrison]

I like the Suede paint myself for a contempory style interior where they are starting to use a rougher texture suede. In a rod with alot of slick painted interior pieces I like the Krylon Suede Paint. I also like to use the Light Krylon colors then airbrush the color that I need over it using only the light Krylon to gain texture. I have some Krylon examples below