ROTJ Keyslot help please - fine line scratches

[crimson]

Hey all

I tried to do the key slot scratches using maskrol (masking fluid) but cant appear to get the lines fine, they are as blotchy as my paintbrush/toothpick

how are people getting such fine scrape marks and lines ? is it steel wool /iron wool or some other method ?

I am using humbrol enamel paints

 

[toofastrobot]

Use a dental pick or an exacto knife.

 

[superjedi]

Right. Physically scratching through the paint to the light colored gelcoat or resin gives a very nice effect.
Check out Fett4Real's paint up here, in post #29:
http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/f23/wip-bmv3-helmet-fettfw3-55056/index2.html

Using a very sharp X-acto blade, or a metal compass point or something similar can get you some hair-fine scratches.
Takes a little practice to determine how much pressure to use, but it's a very useful way of creating those markings.