Tips for Plastic Models
Building plastic models, whether of vehicles, aircraft, people or animals, is an enjoyable hobby for all ages. While every plastic kit is different, there are some basic similarities in building technique that unite them. Follow these simple tips when putting together plastic models to help get the best possible results.
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Cleaning
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Many plastic kits, especially traditional toy soldiers and vehicle or aircraft models, will have a slightly glossy finish resulting from oils used to release the model from its mold. To remove these oils, gently wash the parts. You don't even need to remove the model pieces from the sprue. Water with a small amount of liquid detergent is best for cleaning plastic models. Gently dry the model parts with a soft cloth and leave them for a short while to let hard-to-reach areas dry.
Test Fitting
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If you are building a multi-part model such as a vehicle, or assembling a large model of an animal or person, you should test the fit of the parts before gluing. It may be that you'll have to glue parts in a certain order. In tank models, for instance, you may have to insert the turret into its opening before gluing the hull together. If you want to alter the pose of a model, this is the right time to test out the pose for look and fit.
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Gluing
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Gluing the parts of your plastic model together requires precision and care. Softer plastic respond well to polystyrene cement, which fuses the two parts together to create a powerful bond. Harder plastics can be glued either with polystyrene cement or with normal cyanoacrylate glue, otherwise generally known as super glue. Make sure the parts are lined up correctly and hold them together for a moment to make sure the glue takes. For larger pieces, you may want to hold the pieces together with masking tape or rubber bands while the glue dries.
Painting
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Plastic models can be painted with brushes or airbrushes using a variety of different types of paint. Enamels require special cleansers for your brushes and give a sleek, glossy shine, while acrylics typically have a matte appearance and are water-soluble. An undercoat is usually applied to make it easier for paint to adhere. Always start painting with lighter colors: if you make a mistake, it's much easier to go over a light color with a dark one than a dark one with a light one. Clean your brushes regularly and store them flat.
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References
- Photo Credit Martin Poole/Lifesize/Getty Images
