Thread: How did they paint these scales?

Go slow and lite, with wiping. Give the solvent time to dry, too much will dissolve and pull the paint/marker out of the recesses. The alcohol can have some effect on some plastics, but not like lacquer thinner. So....slow n lite, little at a time.

Hey, if ya mess up, just start over.
I couldn't tell ya how many times I had to start over, on scales I've done.

There is a multi-colour technique called hydro dipping that puts a random multi-coloured finish on almost any surface. That looks like the colours that are revealed where the cover coat has been removed.
https://youtu.be/9UAHI7Mio00

Then you could apply a single colour cover coat that you selectively strip off to reveal the colours underneath using one of the strategies described above.

It’s like the kid’s craft etching technique of covering a sheet of paper with scribbles using different coloured crayons and then colouring over that with black crayon. When you “etch” the black off using a popsicle stick, you reveal the multiple colours in the layer underneath.

BIG WARNING - I haven’t actually tried this, but my research on the internet seem to point to this technique as being viable.

My daughters do that with fingernail paints. Then dip false nails in it.

Glue n go, as they say.

I've seen a few vids on youtube doing that kind of painting. It's really cool. Definitely not what was done to Randy's razor but cool. I want to try it someday on something.

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I have long admired the scales on the razors made by Antonio Tadross.

My best jobs are done (IMO) with water-based paint pens. It is easily washed off if I screw up. As done, lightly misted with clear.
I found light coloring and filling is best. Oil based stuff is permanent right away.