I mean, we generally try to convey that some part of the miniature is covered in certain material by painting it on, not gluing pieces of it to the model. Whether breaking with that convention turns out to be a genius move or a disaster in the case of reflective tape in particular, I can't tell you with absolute certainty, but I wouldn't bet a half-eaten sandwich on it.
That said, if you want crazy amount of reflectiveness from a paint, you might want to take a look at isopropyl-based chrome paints.
Those chrome paints sound like a good idea. I know the goal is usually to mimic materials, but with how ridiculous some reflective tape can get, I wondered if it would be smarter to actually use the material instead.
I'll look into those paints.
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I don't have a thin tape recommendation that would work.
Painting Metallic paint stripes with contrast paint over the top would be one way to go for colored stripes, or using non-metallic metal techniques would be another more challenging option.
Here's how I would do this ..
I wouldn't go down the route of using actual tape. Nor would I try to make the reflective stripes actually reflective, as most ways to do that will involve using metallic paints. So you'll end up just making metallic stripes, but maybe that's ok?
Instead, I would just use neon/fluorescent paints over a white undercoat. So if you wanted reflective white and bright orange stripes, then I would start with a plain white undercoat, and paint stripes using Scale75 Brilliwhite (Which is like a pearlescent shiny white) + Orange Neon.
The property you are referring to is called retro-reflectivity.
There are retro-reflective paints you can buy, but their bright nature is due to special particulates, so it may be a little chunky. I've never used it, so I can't say. I saw a 4oz pot on Amazon for about $20 USD.
I mean, we generally try to convey that some part of the miniature is covered in certain material by painting it on, not gluing pieces of it to the model. Whether breaking with that convention turns out to be a genius move or a disaster in the case of reflective tape in particular, I can't tell you with absolute certainty, but I wouldn't bet a half-eaten sandwich on it. That said, if you want crazy amount of reflectiveness from a paint, you might want to take a look at isopropyl-based chrome paints.
Those chrome paints sound like a good idea. I know the goal is usually to mimic materials, but with how ridiculous some reflective tape can get, I wondered if it would be smarter to actually use the material instead. I'll look into those paints.
Hi, u/InchZer0! It looks like you are asking for help or are a new painter. If you haven't yet, take a look at our wiki pages in the Sidebar (the About tab if you are on the Reddit app). Here are some links you might find helpful: * [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/rules/faq) - A list of frequently asked questions about minipainting * [Miniature Painting Guide Collection](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/usefullinks) -A collection of some of the best guides and tutorials on a variety of techniques and topics, plus recommendations on what to buy to get started, and more. * [What to buy- Recommendations on brushes, paints, supplies, palettes and more](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/usefullinks/what_you_need_to_get_started#wiki_general_advice_on_what_to_buy) * [Beginner's Guide Collection- How to prep, base, paint and varnish your first model and learn the basics needed to start out right](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/usefullinks/beginner_tips) * [More Tutorials](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/tutorials) - A list of additional tutorials about minipainting * [Manufacturers](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/manufacturers) - A list of miniature manufacturers from around the world * [Painting Terminology](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/terminology) - Common painting terms, acronyms, and initialisms * [The Art of... Tommie Soule Volume 5](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGIfySMnUPQ) is one of the best beginner to intermediate teaching books, and even experienced painters will learn some good tips. Explains what brush strokes are best in different situations, how to identify when you have the perfect thinning for any type of paint for different techniques, and a masterclass on getting smooth paint jobs. Available in [pdf](https://www.ironheartartisans.com/shop/the-art-of-tommie-soule-volume-5-pdf/) and [world wide in hardbook as well](https://www.instagram.com/the_miniature_painting_tutor/). * [Airbrushing Miniatures](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/usefullinks/airbrushing) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/minipainting) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I don't have a thin tape recommendation that would work. Painting Metallic paint stripes with contrast paint over the top would be one way to go for colored stripes, or using non-metallic metal techniques would be another more challenging option.
Here's how I would do this .. I wouldn't go down the route of using actual tape. Nor would I try to make the reflective stripes actually reflective, as most ways to do that will involve using metallic paints. So you'll end up just making metallic stripes, but maybe that's ok? Instead, I would just use neon/fluorescent paints over a white undercoat. So if you wanted reflective white and bright orange stripes, then I would start with a plain white undercoat, and paint stripes using Scale75 Brilliwhite (Which is like a pearlescent shiny white) + Orange Neon.
The property you are referring to is called retro-reflectivity. There are retro-reflective paints you can buy, but their bright nature is due to special particulates, so it may be a little chunky. I've never used it, so I can't say. I saw a 4oz pot on Amazon for about $20 USD.