I’ve delayed building several models (Glencoe space fantasy models) because the cockpit glass and port windows have to be glued in before you glue the two fuselage halves together.
Any techniques on how to paint these and avoid getting paint on the “glass”?
The only thing I can think of is to mask over the “glass” with tape. The port holes on one model are round and not much larger than the diameter of a pencil lead. I’ve not had much luck in the past with masking as paint either sprayed or brushed always seems to get under the tape no matter how careful I am. Also if I spray or brush lightly around the masked “glass” I dont get good coverage.
For the round windows you mentioned, I would use a small drop or two of white glue. You’ll get full coverage and the masks are easy to remove with a toothpick after painting.
I agree: White glue is s a good option. I’ve also had pretty good luck with Bare Metal Foil. Apply it over the window to be masked, burnish it down then cut it to shape with a very sharp hobby knife.
Let the forum know which technique you end up using and how it works for you.
Woa, white glue, I hear thats stuff is use for glueing models, but how do you remove it off the window? I don’t believe a small little weak toothpick will do.
Oh, you can believe it…works just fine. Remember, we’re talking about a very small amount in this case. I’ve also use this technique for masking the front side of instrument panel gauges where the entire panel is molded in clear plastic (like the one’s in many of the AM kits where the decals are applied from behind). Works like a charm.
Elmer’s regular white glue really has nothing to ‘grip’ onto when applied to plastic --especially on a flat, smooth surface like canopy glass. Being water-based, there’s no solvent or chemical reaction in it that causes any bonding to plastic. Once dry, it will just tend to flake off.
if you don’t want to spend money on (or can’t find) masking solution, try rubber cement. glob on as much as you want. the more you put on the easier it is to take off.