Etching the Model Horse: Beyond Collecting

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic by 2 people | Log in to rate

Ranked #1,597 in DIY, #34,959 overall | Donates to March of Dimes, Camp Quality New Jersey

What is etching?

In the mid- to late 90's a model horse customization craze peaked in popularity. Rather than simply painting pinto or spotted patterns on models, some artists began removing factory original paint finish to expose the white plastic beneath by a painstaking, slow and exact process known as etching.

When other model horse collectors saw artist's works selling for great prices on eBay, they saw an opportunity that "anyone" could do, unlike painting, and hundreds of lesser quality "etchies" flooded the eBay market. The trend has all but died out, with few people still etching today.

back to model horses | collecting | customizing | showing

Etching is an art 

It is very important that the amateur who would like to try their hand at model horse etching is very familiar with a real horses' hair coat.

The hairs grow in different directions at various places on a horse, and the faint lines that represent "hairs" on a model horse must run in the same direction as they would on an actual horse for the representation to be lifelike.

The simple etch 

The term simple etch refers to the method of etching where the paint is only affected in the areas where the model is to show white. This is very commonly done with basic pinto coat patterns.

Although considered unprofessional by some, a simple etch can be a LSQ (see model horse showing) work if the pattern is well-executed and believable.

The full etch 

A full etch refers to a model that is nearly entirely covered with etched "hairs" including the areas that are colored. Great care must be taken to not remove paint but only to give the appearance of a smooth, barely textured hair coat. The exception to this is when a model is made into a "roan" which is literally mixed white and colored hairs all over the body.

This generally takes MANY more hours than a simple etch, and these models are more expensive. However, if done improperly, the model still won't do well in live showing, no matter how long it took the artist.

My etchies of the past 

I have not etched in a long time due to wrist pain and lack of time to dedicate to the hobby, but when I was a work-at-home mom I etched and sold quite a few models on eBay.

New Flickr Photos 

Powered by Flickr

Want to give it a try? 

You'll need a very sharp tool (Xacto knives work well, but exercise extreme care) and a victim. Breyer Stablemates work well due to the low cost, but if you want to practice more detail, go for a Breyer Classics model.
Stablemates Gift Pack 

Stablemates Gift Pack 

Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 07/12/2009)Buy Now

Etching has the most eye-popping effect on black, dark bay and brown models. But, they also show your mistakes in alarming detail. Practicing on lighter colored horses such as gray and tan (palomino, dun) to start with might produce more satisfactory results. Even horses that already have large white areas can be etched-touch up the fuzzy edges with tiny hairs for realism.

What's your opinion of etching? 

Is etching an art form?

Loading Fetching blurbs now... please stand by

Looks easy. I bet any fool can etch a show quality pattern.

Wow, I can see how that could be as difficult as painting!

LaraineRose says:

I used to sketch horses when I lived on the farm. I know that everyone can draw a stick horse (well perhaps not everyone) but I think etching would be so much harder.

Posted January 30, 2008

 
 
1 of 1 page
 

More lenses on model horses 

featured lens Collecting Model Horses: From Toys to Antiques

Model horse collecting has an appeal for all ages. You can collect models starting at under a dollar if you're young, and affluent afficionados can dabble in artist resins worth thousands of dollars. This lens will introduce you to the hobby, along...

featured lens Customizing a Model Horse: Why and How

There are many ways a model horse customizer can change the appearance of a horse. I will highlight the three most common methods: • repainting • hairing • remaking/resculpting

featured lens Model Horse Competitions: Beyond Collecting

Model horse collectors share their prize possessions and artistic talents with one another by holding horse shows. Below you will find an introduction to the world of live showing and photo showing.

featured lens Model Horse Lenses

Model horses are scale replicas, usually cast in plastic or ceramic, but sometimes in other materials. Some collectors amass hundreds or even thousands of models (see collecting lens), and opportunities exist for virtual and live exhibition (see sho...

 

Get started now!
make a lens


Bookmark and Share

Please RATE this lens:

(5 stars is the BEST!)