How to Remove Model Airplane Seams

Filling seams is one of the last steps in assembling a model airplane.

Nothing spoils a meticulously-constructed model aircraft more than an unsightly visible seam, which can occur at the line where two areas of the model are glued together. Some seams occur where there are actual gaps in the structure of the aircraft, but others can be jarring to the viewer. To eliminate the problem, you must fill the seam with something that will cover the gap. Fortunately, removing seams is quick and easy, using only a few basic tools and adhesives.

Things You'll Need

• Polystyrene cement
• Brush
• Craft knife
• Modeling putty
• Sculpting tool or toothpick
• Sandpaper, super fine grit
• Water

Instructions

1. Fuse the two halves of the join together using polystyrene cement. Apply a thin layer of cement to each half of the join using a brush, then hold the pieces together firmly. The polystyrene cement actually melts and fuses the plastic, resulting in a firm bond. Allow the cement time to dry. This usually takes around five minutes, but times will vary. Consult the packaging of your polystyrene cement for more information.

2. Check the join for excess cement. Cement sometimes can be pressed out of the join during the adhesion process. Clean up this excess with a sharp craft knife.

3. Fill any remaining gaps with model putty. Apply a very small amount of putty to the gap with a sculpting tool or toothpick and smooth it into place, being careful to avoid sections of detail on the model. Allow the model putty time to cure, then carefully sand the area down with super fine sandpaper until it is level with the rest of the join.

4. Sand the area around the join to smooth it out. For the smoothest finish, apply a little water to the area with a brush, sand it, then reapply the water and sand it again. Repeat the process until you're sure that the join between sections is blended smoothly with the surrounding model.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use polystyrene cement in a well-ventilated area.

• Be careful when using a craft knife. Cut only on a safe surface and make all cuts away from yourself.

References

• Model Aces: Filling Seams and Sanding the Aircraft Model