How to Build a Plastic Model
The miniature world of models can spark your imagination and indulge your sense of history. Building models - airplanes, cars, ships - is a skill almost anyone can develop.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Gripping Straight Tweezers
- Hobby Paintbrushes
- Elmer's Glue-All
- Desk Lamps
- Detergents
- Hobby Drop Cloths
- Magnifying Lamps
- Superglue
- Tube Cements
- Worktables
- Latex Gloves
- Internet Access
- Computers
- Spray Paints
- Dremel Rotary Tools
- X-Acto Knives
- Needle-nose Pliers
- Putty
- Sandpaper
- Tweezer-nose Pliers
- Plastic Model Kits
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Assembling the Model
-
1
Find a place, complete with a large table and adequate lighting, where you can lay out your model for assembly.
-
2
Choose a kit within your skill level.
-
3
Open the kit.
-
4
Cut, rather than break, individual parts from the plastic trunk they're attached to.
-
5
Lay out the parts.
-
6
Compare the parts included to the list of parts needed.
-
7
Use sandpaper to remove nubs and excess plastic resulting from the manufacturing process.
-
8
Wash the parts in a mild detergent and allow to dry.
-
9
Collect your tools.
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10
Follow the parts assembly sequence exactly.
-
11
Use the minimum amount of glue necessary to make a solid bond.
-
12
Be careful to keep excess glue off other areas of the model.
-
13
Enhance your assembly finish by filling in gaps with putty and carefully sanding the filled surface.
Painting
-
1
Remember that your skin surface has a natural oil on it.
-
2
Wash the assembled model to remove all oil and any other contamination, including excess glue.
-
3
Begin painting only after the model is completely dry.
-
4
Shake the spray can thoroughly to mix paint properly.
-
5
Test the nozzle by spraying a piece of cardboard or other scrap.
-
6
Plan to spray on multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat.
-
7
Put parts to be painted on a drop cloth.
-
8
Start spraying to one side of the model, stroke over the model, and spray past the model before you stop.
Applying Decals
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1
Make sure the decal is clean.
-
2
Clean the surface of the model where the decal is to be applied.
-
3
Use tweezers when moving or applying decals.
-
4
Loosen and prepare decals by using absolutely clean water.
-
5
Remember that you can customize your model by applying aftermarket decals.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Tube cements will actually weld plastic parts together by melting the plastic. Use superglue for delicate parts rather than tube cement, which would deform their shape.
Clear parts show glue easily. Some modelers suggest using Elmer's glue, which will not mar the finish on a clear part.
Exercise care with glue. Glue fumes in a confined area can be hazardous.
Skin oils can result in fingerprints embedded permanently in a model's finish. Consider wearing latex gloves.
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Comments
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How do you remove paint smudges on the paint job of a plastic model? My boyfriend was painting his and didn't realize he had black paint on his fingers and touched it.
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Yes, of course, with blessings!
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Connie? I got the little painting of the trilliums. Is is okay if I keep it?
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I need the instructions for assembling AMT kit, 1929 Ford Roadster. Is there a source for finding instructions?
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DocVibe
Apr 11, 2008
If your paint job on your plastic model turns out bad and you want to repaint or you just want to change the color of an older model. You can use Easy-Off oven cleaner and a soft tooth brush. Spray it on and wait about 5 mins before using the tooth brush. It will strip off all the paint right down to the bare resin. F.Y.I. - My day job is building the Dodge Charger and Challenger. Doc Brampton Ontario, Canada
