1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Refinishing the emblems...

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Old Oct 18, 2007 | 02:06 PM
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Refinishing the emblems...

I got a pair of side emblems from a fellow forum user, and the paint is pretty much worn off of them. what's the best way to restore them?
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Old Oct 18, 2007 | 02:16 PM
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I used silver model paint. Brush it on over the raised "Mazda Rx-7"
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Old Oct 18, 2007 | 02:20 PM
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Originally Posted by '84-12A-GSL
I used silver model paint. Brush it on over the raised "Mazda Rx-7"
just regular gloss enamel model paint?
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Old Oct 18, 2007 | 02:35 PM
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Since it is raised, could you just put a little paint on some paper and dip the emblem face down into it like a stamp?
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Old Oct 18, 2007 | 02:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Oats
I got a pair of side emblems from a fellow forum user, and the paint is pretty much worn off of them. what's the best way to restore them?
Black dragon or Mazdatrix has them new if you have the $$$
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Old Oct 18, 2007 | 03:04 PM
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I used silver leaf, and a small brush, then followed up with a clear coating of model gloss
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Old Oct 18, 2007 | 04:01 PM
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Could you post pictures of the refinished products please mate? I'd like to see what everyone has done to theirs..
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Old Oct 18, 2007 | 04:35 PM
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My refinished emblems. Used my can of touch up paint, a sponge brush, a couple q tips and a paper towel. Ghetto style, but it looks good.


Before:


After:


Close up:


Took me about 2 minutes (cant ya tell?) to do. I have a straight razor/exacto that I am going to go back over it with and scrape some of the "overspray" off haha.
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Old Oct 18, 2007 | 06:00 PM
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Sorry. That looks like @$$.
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Old Oct 18, 2007 | 06:07 PM
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^^ lol,
i redid mine stock black at the beggining of summer with some plastic adhesive spray paint. I'll post a pick once it gets light out.
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Old Oct 18, 2007 | 06:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Scott1982
Black dragon or Mazdatrix has them new if you have the $$$
not paying $25 per emblem, i'm a near broke college student
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Old Oct 18, 2007 | 06:49 PM
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Yes, just regular Testors model paint. If you get a little paint on the black background just wait for the paint to dry and scrap it off with a knife.
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Old Oct 18, 2007 | 07:45 PM
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Originally Posted by khaine_d
I used silver leaf, and a small brush, then followed up with a clear coating of model gloss
i like this idea the best...any before and after pics? also where to get the silver leaf and how to apply it
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Old Oct 18, 2007 | 09:38 PM
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I'm going out to walmart tonight to look at some sprays, see if anything is decent. this is my mini project for tomorrow, since i can't actually get to my car anytime soon.

pics will be plenty
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Old Oct 18, 2007 | 09:47 PM
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Testors makes great paint, and if you look at smaller hobby shops they have a variety of different colors. One of the nicest things you can do is get their spray system. walmart carries them. Its like a mini air compressor and fits the testor bottles. Really neat
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Old Oct 19, 2007 | 02:38 AM
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^^ The walmart spray system sucks (i like to do air brushing in my free time and my lil bro was trying to use their spray kit)
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Old Oct 19, 2007 | 10:42 PM
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First stage is finished!

I've still gotta go back and scrape off the extra that got on the black, and repaint that with a flat black, but the silver is done!

Here's what i'm starting off with. The one in the front is the one I tried to paint by hand last night...looked like **** so i sanded most of it off.


My equipment: (NOTE: the metallic finish sprays didn't do much)


I started by just covering it with a piece of masking tape and making sure there weren't any bumps or anything:


I cut out the letters and painted in sections, just so i wouldn't have too much to do all at once and i could see progress being made (i'm pretty impatient)


After the first coat:


Three coats later:


And finally the unfinished product!






Assuming i don't mess up on the black, i think these will turn out pretty decent.
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Old Oct 20, 2007 | 01:39 AM
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just get some used ones on ebay, they look pretty darn good when they are on there sometimes.
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Old Oct 20, 2007 | 02:54 AM
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Originally Posted by twinkletoes
just get some used ones on ebay, they look pretty darn good when they are on there sometimes.
haven't found any on ebay.
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Old Oct 20, 2007 | 06:22 AM
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i was just thinking about doing this.
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Old Oct 20, 2007 | 07:02 AM
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did mine with left over engine paint for housings, and black trim paint with a FINE paint brush to fiz the silver overpaints, sorry if pic is to fuzzy, new camera and i had not found the macro part yet, but im outta state and cant do it now
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Old Oct 20, 2007 | 07:07 AM
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Originally Posted by darthrotary
did mine with left over engine paint for housings, and black trim paint with a FINE paint brush to fiz the silver overpaints, sorry if pic is to fuzzy, new camera and i had not found the macro part yet, but im outta state and cant do it now
Best ones I've seen so far. I need to fix mine too...
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Old Oct 20, 2007 | 08:31 AM
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I did mine like that only i used a paint marker to match the body color. Turned out just as good. Might take pics later
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Old Oct 20, 2007 | 04:23 PM
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Originally Posted by darthrotary
did mine with left over engine paint for housings, and black trim paint with a FINE paint brush to fiz the silver overpaints, sorry if pic is to fuzzy, new camera and i had not found the macro part yet, but im outta state and cant do it now
looks sweet!
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Old Oct 20, 2007 | 11:55 PM
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hmmm giving me some ideas. Thanks!
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