Author Topic: Color Matching A Caterpillar?  (Read 9086 times)

Offline Fishermanbt

  • Lunker
  • *****
  • Posts: 652
Color Matching A Caterpillar?
« on: 08/23/23 17:11 UTC »
Opinions on how you would go about tackling color matching an eastern tent caterpillar. There are several color variations of this critter. I have a few thoughts as to what colors and methods I might use. Just wanted to see if I was in the ballpark or maybe overlooking an option.

I have a number of colors and glitters I can use. I’m thinking about using a 3” four cavity stick worm and possibly the main body of a 7” and 10” ribbon tail mold. I also have a dual injector and hot plate.

Thanks for reading

Offline ctom

  • Lunker
  • *****
  • Posts: 11324
Re: Color Matching A Caterpillar?
« Reply #1 on: 08/23/23 17:25 UTC »
That would [will] be a fun one. lol

I think I'd start with a couple short pieces of dowel sharpened in a pencil sharpener to two different tip diameters, maybe a 1/16 and 1/8. I'd start by putting the 1/16 bluish colored dots along each side of the mold relative to where they are in the pictures. Then I'd cover those with the 1/8 in black. Since you're not going to be able to replicate all that fuzz that lies along the sides for the length of the bugs I'd try to imitate the color for one plastic and then do a darker color to do the top. You have two different color shots. In the one I think that the 20, green pumpkin brown with a liberal dose of bronze hi lite would get you pretty close while the other worm below is more of a green, maybe the #21 green pumpkin green with either the bronze or maybe copper hi lite or even a combination of one of those colors along with green hi lite. Of course, you'd want a twin injector to laminate. Or hand pour one color and finish with a single color if the mold doesn't cater to the twin injector's use. If you really wanted to get fancy, you could thread a few feather fibers thru a needle and pull them thru the injected worm to get the fuzzy appearance.
« Last Edit: 08/23/23 17:35 UTC by ctom »
There are good ships
and wood ships
ships that sail the sea
but the best ships are friendships
and may they
always be ......An Irish Toast

Offline Fishermanbt

  • Lunker
  • *****
  • Posts: 652
Re: Color Matching A Caterpillar?
« Reply #2 on: 08/23/23 17:49 UTC »
Well, that’s very interesting. Thanks. Now I’m left with yet another question. Is Ctom the Chuck Norris or Macgyver of soft plastics? ::).

Offline ctom

  • Lunker
  • *****
  • Posts: 11324
Re: Color Matching A Caterpillar?
« Reply #3 on: 08/23/23 18:44 UTC »
lol
There are good ships
and wood ships
ships that sail the sea
but the best ships are friendships
and may they
always be ......An Irish Toast

Offline basscatlildave

  • Lunker
  • *****
  • Posts: 994
Re: Color Matching A Caterpillar?
« Reply #4 on: 08/24/23 06:12 UTC »

Offline ctom

  • Lunker
  • *****
  • Posts: 11324
Re: Color Matching A Caterpillar?
« Reply #5 on: 08/24/23 15:59 UTC »
Now I've been thinking about this and wondering how I can deal that white line down the back. Challenges, challenges.  Darn you guys.
There are good ships
and wood ships
ships that sail the sea
but the best ships are friendships
and may they
always be ......An Irish Toast

Offline Fishermanbt

  • Lunker
  • *****
  • Posts: 652
Re: Color Matching A Caterpillar?
« Reply #6 on: 08/24/23 18:47 UTC »
You’re welcome. Depending on the orientation in the mold I’m thinking of either a thin hand pour or the other way would be dipping my temp prob in white and lay a thin line in. Then pour/shoot over it.

Offline Les Young

  • Lunker
  • *****
  • Posts: 612
Re: Color Matching A Caterpillar?
« Reply #7 on: 08/24/23 19:52 UTC »
Is Ctom the Chuck Norris or Macgyver of soft plastics? ::).
Without a doubt.  :D