I'm doing my first Tartan wrap at a customers request. I have the colors to match fairly close. I saw a tartan posted in the picture section some time ago where the builder wrapped over the tartan wrap with, what I thought was white thread. I liked the finished "worn" look this provided, and would like to match that technique.

When I finish my tartan wrap, I apply two coats of CP and then over wrap the complete section with white thread without CP. Is this correct? Would this give me the worn, bleed through look?

Any help/suggestions you can provide would certainly be welcome.

Harold

Just make sure the over thread you use IS NOT NCP thread and it will go transparent. Better yet try silk thread.

Bill in WV

Harold,

Better yet, don't use CP at all. No need for it!. Make sure your base is white or a very light shade. This can be paint or thread. I use a light NCP thread. On this layer you can use CP. The lay out your diamonds in a double pattern. I like to use small bands of white regular A in the diamond pattern to add to the effect. Once your diamonds are finished, fill the remaining area with white or very light coloured Reg A. After the wrap closes. don't use CP, just apply your first coat of finish. You will see the colours bleeding through the finish creating your tartan effect. Once the finish is dry you can add some NCP or even metalic threads to create even more effect. There are plenty of nice tartans on the site but they are only limited to the creators imagination.

Thank-you Bill and Mark.

The Tartan that I am matching is called "Hunting Fraser" and it uses darker colors. Red, Blue, Green, Brown and one wrap of bright Red and one wrap of white. I have already layed the base in the Green, and then did my double diamond pattern (wrapping on 4 axis) in the Red's and blues. I have already added the brown bands, and the only thing left to do is add the brighter red band and the bright white, which I may substitute using metalic silver.

I am somewhat committed to overwrapping now with the white thread as per my original plan, but should I do the bright red and silver bands before the overwrap in White, or should I do them afterwards as you suggest for highlights Mark, or do you think it matters.

Cheers
Harold

Harold, personally I would do it after but that is a just me. You do what you think you want as the effect. That's what rodbuilding is all about. Experimentation and perhaps error but we all learn from it.

Mark