SEARCH FINESCALE.COM

Enter keywords or a search phrase below:

Painting Spock’s uniform

Shades of blue dress the Enterprise’s science officer

RELATED TOPICS: FIGURES | SCI-FI / FANTASY
FSMFF0518_OL_00

In the May 2018 FSM, I showed how I modified Andrea Miniatures’ 54mm movie-era Spock to his TV-series counterpart. To finish the Star Trek character in his original-series uniform, I had to apply blue. Trying to decide on the correct hue, I looked at photos online and watched several episodes of the series; all showed variations in the color of the satin velour shirt. Finally, I settled on a recipe for a color that looked right.

It is very important to note that all these steps were completed using very thin layers of paint.  The way they were all blended by using these mixes to blur the edges of each shade.

Paints used

  • Andrea Black Paint Set No. 3 (2nd Light) — alternative Vallejo Model Color Intermediate Blue (No. 70.903)
  • Andrea Blue Paint Set: No. 6 (3rd Shadow) — alternative Vallejo Model Color Prussian Blue (No. 70.899)
  • Reaper Ashen Blue (No. 9057)
  • Scale 75 Hiril Blue (No. SFG33)
  • Vallejo Model Color Brass (No. 70.801)
  • Vallejo Model Color Chocolate Brown (No. 70.872)
  • Vallejo Model Color Sky Blue (No. 70.961)
FSMFF0518_OL_01
I base-coated the figure with several thin layers of paint to cover each section. For the shirt, I mixed approximately 4 parts ashen blue and 1 part Hiril blue by placing a pupil-sized puddle of the latter in an eyeball-sized pool of ashen blue.
FSMFF0518_OL_02
FSMFF0518_OL_02b
FSMFF0518_OL_02c

I painted the first shadows into folds. The color is the base shade with a little black 2nd light added. Vallejo intermediate blue is a good alternative.

FSMFF0518_OL_03a
FSMFF0518_OL_03b

Next, I deepened the shadows in the deepest folds, around the collar, and along the shoulder seams with more black 2nd light added to the previous mix.

FSMFF0518_OL_04a

For the deepest shadows in the Vulcan’s armpits, I used pure black 2nd light.

FSMFF0518_OL_05a
FSMFF0518_OL_05b
FSMFF0518_OL_05c
FSMFF0518_OL_05d
FSMFF0518_OL_05e

After adding Hiril blue to the base-color mix, I brushed highlights over the upper part of folds, the shoulders, and chest. The thin shades blended the shadows and refined the contrast.

FSMFF0518_OL_06a
FSMFF0518_OL_06b

The next layer of highlights was achieved by adding more Hiril blue to the previous mix.

FSMFF0518_OL_07a
FSMFF0518_OL_07b

Final highlights made from a mix of Hiril blue and sky blue edged folds as well as the cuffs and hem of the shirt.

FSMFF0518_OL_08

I base-coated the rank stripes on Spock’s sleeves with chocolate brown and the Federation chevron on his chest with blue 3rd shadow.

FSMFF0518_OL_09
FSMFF0518_OL_10
Then, I carefully painted the sleeve stripes and chevron with brass. Now Spock was ready to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no metal figure has gone before.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION
Read and share your comments on this article
COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE

Want to leave a comment?

Only registered members of FineScale.com are allowed to leave comments. Registration is FREE and only takes a couple minutes.

Login or Register now.
0
FREE DOWNLOAD

FREE DOWNLOAD

Essential finishing techniques for scale modelers.
FREE NEWSLETTER
By signing up you may also receive reader surveys and occasional special offers. We do not sell, rent or trade our email lists. View our Privacy Policy.