Glueing painted subassemblies

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Techniques
1

I wanted to know what is the most effective method for glueing together painted sub assemblies. In this case the assemblies would be the top and bottom hull sections of a tank or small pieces that are put on after the base coat is applied.

I read kit reviews were sections of the model are built and painted seperatley and then glued together. I relize that plastic glue requires a clean plastic surface to adhere to. Would CA be effective in this case or do I have to remove the paint from the glued area and then touch it up. Thanks.

2

Your could use ca or epoxy for assembly after painting, You may have to do some light sanding and touch-up painting after the glue has dried.

3

I would NOT glue painted parts together, remove the paint at the joint and than assemble.

The reason for that is simply, on a painted part the glue will bond with the paint and NOT with the part thus you are getting a weak joint.

4

Remove paint from the area to be joined, if possible, and use CA for best results.

Regards, Rick

5

[#ditto] the above posts regarding paint removal from surfaces to be joined. One way I remove paint from those surfaces is to moisten a cotton swab in some nail polish remover (Cutex) and gently rub over them. You can also use a sanding stick to remove the paint but I like the nail polish remover trick best. Once the surfaces are mated, you can always go back and touch up.

Mike M

6

And now for something completely different… [:)]

The upper and lower hull assembly shouldn’t be painted at all until AFTER they’re put together. On many (not all) military vehicles, some seam filling and or sanding is going to be required where the top meets the bottom. In addition, many of the fiddly bits should also be added prior to painting. Then shoot the model and pick out individual details with a small brush. Things like tow cables, bedrolls, etc. can be added later with a touch of superglue…but that’s the way I do it.

Build 'em like you want and enjoy it. That’s why it’s a hobby!

By the way, welcome to the forum family! Hope you enjoy your stay! [:)]

Gip Winecoff

7

What I like to do is even before the paint is applied find where the parts will meet and lay down a thin line or bead of white glue to the joints, let dry, paint, let that dry, peel off the white glue add plastic glue and assemble. Very little if any scraping involved.

8

Thanks to everyone for the great advice. This was my first forum post as I have just returned to the hobby. Thanks again.

9

LoneWolf,

Thanks for that tip, I’m going to use it in my current builds and see if I like that technique. I’m sure it’s going to save me a lot of time and hassle!