After completing the metallic blue and silver undercoats, we’ve finally moved on to the final step of the Z33 paint job: the black undercoat! This step tightens the color expression across the entire body, creating a presence just like the real thing. (It should!)
Preparation before applying black
Before applying black paint, remove the masking tape from the areas you want to paint black (such as window moldings).
Backing it up with black
The paint used was Tamiya PS-5 Black. The painting method was the same as before: applying thin layers and letting them dry repeatedly.
Repeating this process 3 to 4 times will significantly even out the overall tone of the body. Even when viewed from the back, you should be able to see that the black layer adheres firmly.
Changes I felt with the black backing
Compared to immediately after the silver backing, the color depth and “real car feel” have significantly improved. The translucency is gone, and a subdued luster appears from every angle.
Now that the body paint job is done, I’ll paint the remaining parts the same way.
We’ll also paint the separate bumpers and light parts!!
For painting the light parts this time, I used Tamiya PS-23 Gunmetal. (The base coat is black.)
The painting is done!!
Remove the masking tape and apply the light coating.
Even though it’s called light painting, this time I’ll be using oil-based markers to create the effect. It seems like a technique that’s been around for ages. I actually tried it out…
It’s difficult to apply evenly.
As I expected, it ended up uneven.
But!!!
Well, isn’t that something. Once I put on the inner parts, the unevenness doesn’t bother me at all… This might be sufficient for the tail expression. (Especially for beginners like me)
Now it’s time to attach the other parts to the main body. But first, let’s add some detail with the included decals!!
I applied decals to the front bumper duct, fender duct, headlight turn signals, and rear bumper turn signals!!
Finally, assemble each part onto the main body!! Here, double-check the fit as you attach them, making adjustments with a design knife if necessary.
Finally, add door mirrors and other accessories to dress it up♪♪
The paint used in the production
- Tamiya Polycarbonate Paint PS-23 Gunmetal ×1 bottle (used for light inner)
- Tamiya Polycarbonate Paint PS-16 Metallic Blue ×2 bottles (used as main color)
- Tamiya Polycarbonate Paint PS-5 Black ×2 bottles (used for undercoating)
- Tamiya Polycarbonate Paint PS-12 Silver ×2 bottles (used for undercoating)
And so, the Z33 body is finally complete. With each step of the process, plain transparent polycarbonate transforms into “my very own machine.”
That moment of accomplishment is the true thrill of RC body building!
To make it even easier to enjoy, I’ve also prepared pre-cut masking sheets (using them really is a breeze and speeds up body construction).
Even beginners can achieve results if they approach it carefully.
I hope this record proves helpful to anyone taking on this challenge.
