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AFV Painting & Weathering
Answers to questions about the right paint scheme or tips for the right effect.
Questions on how to paint rubber band tracks
Wolf-Leader
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New Hampshire, United States
Joined: June 06, 2002
KitMaker: 1,225 posts
Armorama: 520 posts
Posted: Monday, February 11, 2019 - 10:29 AM UTC
I am in the process of painting my Panther Tank by Dragon Models in 1/72 scale. This particular kit has the rubber band tracks.
So my question to you is how does one paint rubber band tracks so the paint stays on the tracks while handling your model? Is there a particular type of primer and or paint that I can use to paint these tracks as well as weather them?
Any advice will be greatly appreciate it.
Thank you
babaoriley
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California, United States
Joined: June 23, 2017
KitMaker: 195 posts
Armorama: 179 posts
Posted: Monday, February 11, 2019 - 12:49 PM UTC
Below is a video you might find interesting. He says he normally paints tracks before assembly, for some reason he decided to go a different way with this kit. I've always painted first, assembled second. Wash tracks with a mild soap to remove mold release and skin oil. If you're going to use a primer it might as well be black, some flat black paint, followed by a wash of rust, followed by lightly dry-brushing highlights with dull silver. Don't forget the road wheels will keep a strip on the inside of the tracks sort of clean and unrusted where the wheels ride on the track. With a Panther you can glue the tracks to the road wheels at the back to simulate track sag, or use black thread to tie them down as the road wheels will conceal the thread.

Others will have better advice on how to do this, but this method works okay for me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiiEHSi3cTg
HeavyArty
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Florida, United States
Joined: May 16, 2002
KitMaker: 17,694 posts
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Posted: Monday, February 11, 2019 - 02:11 PM UTC
Look at the pinned "How to Paint Tank Treads" topic in this forum. All you could want to know about painting tracks of every type.
dioman13
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Indiana, United States
Joined: August 19, 2007
KitMaker: 2,184 posts
Armorama: 1,468 posts
Posted: Tuesday, February 12, 2019 - 04:18 AM UTC
Hey Jodi. I concur with Geno. Ive not had any problems doing it that way. Just make sure to use hot water to get the mold release oils off other wise the paint will uddle up or not stay on.
Tojo72
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North Carolina, United States
Joined: June 06, 2006
KitMaker: 4,691 posts
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Posted: Tuesday, February 12, 2019 - 05:44 AM UTC
If those are the Dragon DS Tracks,light beige in color,they paint up pretty easily,not like old vinyl tracks.But beware,thsy dont hold up well to enamel paint or washes,it will make the brittle and cracked.Just stick with acrylics and they should be okay.
Wolf-Leader
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New Hampshire, United States
Joined: June 06, 2002
KitMaker: 1,225 posts
Armorama: 520 posts
Posted: Tuesday, February 12, 2019 - 09:56 AM UTC
Anthony,
Yes,you are correct,they are the DS tracks. So if I understand you correctly,use acrylic paint and not enamels. In your opinion how would you weather them accordingly?
Thank you.
165thspc
#521
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Kentucky, United States
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
Armorama: 8,695 posts
Posted: Wednesday, February 13, 2019 - 12:22 PM UTC
Similar topic going elsewhere here on Armorama at:

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/275254
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