Help with using photoetch products

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Techniques
1

I’m new to the photoetch world. I just received a sheet of 1/72 photoetch material for an Airfix P-51D, Color Zoom if you will and it is marked “self adhesive”. When I opened the package, I thought there might be a paper backing, when peeled away would reveal the adhesive surface. That is not the case. It just looks like a brass metal surface on the back. Nothing sticky to the touch. (I only touched it lightly)

Question: In the directions after cutting the part away, it says to just apply pressure on the model surface to adhere the part. What about as I cut it away on a cutting surface-won’t the part stick to that? I may be missing something here.

2

I never trust these self adhesive sets, i always glue them as normal, with CA glue. Your not missing anything, they don’t feel sticky at all. Best not to risk it coming off once the model is closed up. I have never had one stick to a cutting mat.

3

I’ll echo what Bish said. Always use a glue of some sort, either a CA or, if the part is not under any real stress, a white glue. Even Future has its uses as a PE adhesive on small parts.

4

Also, not all those color PE sets are self-adhesive. Some are designed to be glued.