Search found 166 matches

by USSARCADIA
Sat Feb 12, 2022 9:25 pm
Forum: Finishing
Topic: Dust! How to vanquish it?
Replies: 17
Views: 52959

Re: Dust! How to vanquish it?

Sometimes I’ll use a tack cloth, from Home Desperate or a paint store. It’s basically cheesecloth with a sticky substance that removes dust quite well. Works better on larger items.
by USSARCADIA
Sun May 24, 2020 8:42 am
Forum: Finishing
Topic: Gloss & Dull coats
Replies: 128
Views: 514518

Re: Gloss & Dull coats

I’ve been using Krylon’s spray acrylic matte lately. It seems to lay down nicely, spray in light misty coats. May be a little tough to find, but I think Michael’s has it. I get mine from the local lumber yard.
by USSARCADIA
Fri Mar 13, 2020 9:31 am
Forum: Construction
Topic: Removing 20 year old paint
Replies: 19
Views: 53628

Re: Removing 20 year old paint

Oven cleaner works quickly and won’t hurt the plastic. Whatever you use be sure to wear gloves, protect your face too(you might have a time finding masks). If you have time then a degreaser like Simple Green(less caustic) will take it off, just needs to soak a while.


And welcome aboard!
by USSARCADIA
Wed Jan 01, 2020 8:29 pm
Forum: Construction
Topic: Stripping "chrome" off model pieces
Replies: 22
Views: 100492

Re: Stripping "chrome" off model pieces

Got any Easy Off oven cleaner? That works pretty fast and doesn’t eat the plastic. Use gloves, etc.
by USSARCADIA
Tue Oct 02, 2018 7:09 pm
Forum: Finishing
Topic: In-line fans for spray booths?
Replies: 5
Views: 21586

Re: In-line fans for spray booths?

The Panasonics are the best fans, the only bath exhaust fans we use. The are efficient and quiet. They make a nice large one that I hooked up for a customer once and it really sucked! :D
by USSARCADIA
Fri Feb 17, 2017 3:33 pm
Forum: Construction
Topic: Bending brass rod stands
Replies: 3
Views: 9369

You might try acrylic rod. I used that on my F-302 : http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v72/ussarcadia/F-302/F302rearquarter_zps4e0a7451.jpg It took some practice to get it right, but I held it over an open flame, far away enough not to make it start bubbling, then bent it to what I needed. The trick...
by USSARCADIA
Sat Feb 11, 2017 8:30 pm
Forum: Finishing
Topic: Display stand rod question
Replies: 5
Views: 11484

Here's my Saber mounted on a wood base and a Laserfire Creations acrylic piece. The brass rod measures at 3/32" O.D. Seems to hold just fine.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v72/u ... fjbjwk.jpg
by USSARCADIA
Sat Feb 11, 2017 10:17 am
Forum: Construction
Topic: MEK-dissolved styrene filler?
Replies: 12
Views: 24969

I tried it as an experiment years ago. MEK is nasty stuff and won't touch it again. It took a while for it to make a goop, but then used it to make my Kestrel master. In my opinion it wasn't worth the time and effort. Epoxy putty would have been less sloppy and less toxic. I even developed some crac...
by USSARCADIA
Sat Dec 31, 2016 8:57 pm
Forum: Construction
Topic: New to modeling and need plans.
Replies: 21
Views: 37553

I agree with Ken, start out with some simple shapes. Learn how to cut pieces out of styrene sheet and glue together with liquid glue and a needle bottle. Then move on from there. There are some tutorials on the main SM site. There are plenty of us here to help and feel free to ask any question.
by USSARCADIA
Fri Dec 02, 2016 7:30 pm
Forum: Construction
Topic: Major differences between resin and styrene
Replies: 16
Views: 26902

Yes we've had our share of resin turds, then on the flip side Kip Hart's Blackbird kit was better than some styrene kits.
by USSARCADIA
Sun Jul 17, 2016 11:58 am
Forum: Construction
Topic: Surface for my build table
Replies: 6
Views: 14904

A solid core door is the answer. My dad uses one to do his architectural drawings on. A piece of laminate countertop is good too, but if you would spill glue on the laminate there may be ugly results. Most home centers stock at least one type of SC door.
by USSARCADIA
Sun Aug 23, 2015 10:41 am
Forum: Scratchbuilding
Topic: Return of the Jedi: Mon Calamari Crusier "Home ONE"
Replies: 4
Views: 9082

Might want to post this in SW or General section. There's got to be something out there.
by USSARCADIA
Sat Aug 22, 2015 1:51 am
Forum: Scratchbuilding
Topic: Return of the Jedi: Mon Calamari Crusier "Home ONE"
Replies: 4
Views: 9082

There were some great pics in the "Art of ROTJ" book from the 80's. I traded mine to Odyssey Slipways years ago. It had very nice pics of both Mon Cal cruisers in it.
by USSARCADIA
Sun Oct 26, 2014 10:35 am
Forum: Construction
Topic: Liquid cement melted styrene questions
Replies: 9
Views: 17559

I made a batch when our old pal Woody gave me a recipe. I used MEK and threw in some sprue and plastic forks. It took a week or so to turn into a goo, and I used it on the master for the Kestrel kit. It seemed to dry fine, but I think I would just use epoxy putty If doing it again. Too much of a tox...
by USSARCADIA
Thu Oct 09, 2014 9:14 am
Forum: Construction
Topic: Black acrylic or plexiglass for obolisk
Replies: 14
Views: 22742

Dang. Now I'm thinking I should just stick some styrene sheets together and hit it heavy with Tamiya Gloss Black and sand it to a polished finish. That's probably your best bet. I sprayed a plaque using Krylon's Hammered paint in black it it came out looking pretty good. Has a slight texture to it....
by USSARCADIA
Wed Sep 24, 2014 7:53 pm
Forum: Finishing
Topic: Course correcting a decal disaster
Replies: 6
Views: 11758

Not sure what decals you're using, but you may want to spray them first with a clear spray, like Krylon Crystal Clear. That should keep them from breaking apart. If the sheet is one saucer half(which would be hard to work with) consider cutting each half into pie wedges, smaller sections that are ea...
by USSARCADIA
Tue Jun 03, 2014 8:50 pm
Forum: Finishing
Topic: What can use to seal sharpie markers?
Replies: 6
Views: 22036

I've used Krylon Crystal Clear to seal Sharpie with no running.
by USSARCADIA
Wed May 21, 2014 8:54 am
Forum: Finishing
Topic: SciFi Blast Marks
Replies: 15
Views: 30061

I did the blast marks on my Viper by drybrushing paint on in black, then a little grey inside the black and followed up with some black pastel chalk: http://www.starshipmodeler.com/contest/contest17/kit_29.htm I was trying to replicate what was some of the CGI pics. I'd suggest trying it out on some...
by USSARCADIA
Fri May 16, 2014 12:11 am
Forum: Finishing
Topic: Need to remove tape adhesive from paint job
Replies: 5
Views: 18193

Try some WD40 and a soft cloth. It's worked for me in the past with too much paint on a canopy. Clean WD off with glass cleaner or alcohol.
by USSARCADIA
Sun Jul 14, 2013 11:58 am
Forum: Scratchbuilding
Topic: HELP! Material for 40" signs — styrene or ?
Replies: 10
Views: 17468

I would advise against plywood for an exterior sign. It weathers quickly and looks like crap after a while. Styrene would be a good choice. The foamcore isn't too strong, bends easily. Try the local area listings for "plastic suppliers" and call and ask if they'll sell to the public, and i...
by USSARCADIA
Fri May 17, 2013 12:33 am
Forum: Construction
Topic: The gap won't fill!!
Replies: 12
Views: 28505

It might be the vinyl is flexing slightly, two different materials. If nothing else works, try a little siliconized, paintable caulk, like DAP Alex Plus. Apply some on and wipe off with a wet rag, leaving a small amount in the crack and let dry. Then prime over and see what happens.
by USSARCADIA
Sun Jan 27, 2013 1:16 pm
Forum: Finishing
Topic: Can you thin acrylic craft paint with Future?
Replies: 5
Views: 8864

I use it to thin Apple Barrel and Ceramcoat paints. The combo makes it much more brushable, especially for larger areas. For small details I still thin with water.
by USSARCADIA
Sun Nov 04, 2012 10:47 am
Forum: Finishing
Topic: Airbrushing beginning help... Please!
Replies: 9
Views: 10151

Have you thinned your paint enough? Usually to the consistency of skim milk. Amount of thinner depends on what paint you're using.
by USSARCADIA
Thu Aug 30, 2012 10:10 am
Forum: Finishing
Topic: Weathering Starfleet ships?
Replies: 10
Views: 15967

The pastel chalks are the way to go, but I'd suggest putting a matte spray coat down first, like a light, misty coat of Testors Dullcoat. I use a piece of 60 grit sandpaper, with white ground down on the sandpaper on one side and black on the other. You can drag each color together to make various s...
by USSARCADIA
Thu Mar 01, 2012 9:48 am
Forum: Finishing
Topic: First air brush
Replies: 6
Views: 6890

I started out with an H,then got a VL and use it exclusively now. It will do what the H does plus more and is easy to use/clean as well.
by USSARCADIA
Sun Feb 12, 2012 1:38 am
Forum: Finishing
Topic: Tamiya P800 sandpaper question!
Replies: 2
Views: 3811

Save some money and pick up some 3M brand wet/dry at an auto parts store. 3M paper stands up to water, leading to my next suggestion(as mentioned), always wet sand. You don't want to be breathing the dust. Plus it yields better results.
by USSARCADIA
Sun Jan 15, 2012 12:34 pm
Forum: Construction
Topic: How can I "thin" a flat resin placard ?
Replies: 6
Views: 8690

I would say tape some wet/dry sandpaper down to a smooth surface and wet sand it flat. Start with coarser grit to get most of it off and go from there. It will take some elbow grease, but it's the safest way. A belt type sander may break it/ruin it. And your fingers.
by USSARCADIA
Mon Dec 05, 2011 7:19 pm
Forum: Finishing
Topic: priming and filling question
Replies: 3
Views: 7068

I usually just use the Spot Putty right over the primer with no problems.
by USSARCADIA
Thu Oct 20, 2011 11:14 pm
Forum: Finishing
Topic: masking cone-shaped parts
Replies: 2
Views: 5383

I would go with the thin strip suggestion, or you can make relief cuts every 1/8" along a wider strip, cutting almost all the way through. That's worked for me too.
by USSARCADIA
Mon Oct 10, 2011 11:01 am
Forum: Construction
Topic: Flattening a warped resin panel
Replies: 2
Views: 5889

I usually find I have to over-compensate the warp so that when it bends back a little it comes back to flat. Hair dryer works best, bend then dip in cold running water quickly. Just be careful of the hair dryer being near water.