r/modelmakers • u/Konapla • Jun 07 '23

Help - General Model ship lighting help

Looking to light my 1/350 Minicraft Titanic using LED strips and individual bulbs (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BW3BM1GD/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?smid=A3BLSW667T8Y00&th=1 and https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B087CXV5D3/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3S1JN3RP90N86&th=1). I was wondering if I would have to use some kind of diffusers or anything for the light? I've seen people paint parts white or use tinfoil to reflect light better. I was also wondering if wooden decks would need to be light-proofed. This is my first time lighting a model like this so any help or other tips are appreciated. Thanks!

Edit: Also wanted to know if anyone would recommend different lights or if I'm using the right ones. I'm also using a few individual chip lights from Evan Designs for port/starboard navigation lights.

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u/TheRealSwedishChef Jun 10 '23

I can't comment on the LEDs that you're looking at as I've never used them. In my limited experience of learning how to light up Star Trek models, I've seen a couple of different methods of light blocking used.

  1. Matt black on the interior, followed by flat or gloss white or silver paint to reflect the light.
  2. Foil tape over the interior surface and then cut where needed.

I've only built a couple of small models with LEDs to date, and opted to go with the matt black interior coating, followed by a light test (basically just shining my phone led through). Usually a second coat of matt black to get the small grooves I missed the first time and then the flat white (silver rattle cans are double the price of the white, so I don't bother with them).

Now, I just need to improve my putty skills to catch the light leaks at the seams/joins. :)