Installing canopies and avoiding fogging and gap filling quesiton

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Techniques
1

I am about to install a canopy and want to use superglue. I have coated the canopy with future, will it still fog?

I know that I can use white glue which will set clear, but the bond is not that strong. Also the superglue will allow me to cover the gaps between the canopy and the fusaluge.

What is the best technique to a get a good bond and fill gaps with a canopy without bugger it up.

2

Yes, it will still fog. Somebody makes a superglue that is “non-fogging”, got some once at the local hobbyshop. I prefer the old tried and true white glue method myself. As for gap filling, I use very careful filing of the canopy, or “building up” the fuselage with putty or epoxy.

3

All that Future will do is make the fogging from the super glue a little easier to remove. White glue can be quite good at gap filling, you just have to apply it in multiple thin layers and allow each one to dry completely. Just what are you planning to do with the model that the canopy needs to be on that securely?

4

I usually ‘tac’ the canopy on with the white glue. Then, if I have some gaps, I will use Tenax and apply it to the gap with a small pointed brush. It will fuse the canopy to the plane and take care of SOME of the gap. Then, I will layer white glue in the remaining gap until I’m satisfied. Tenax give a good bond and will not cloud the clear plastic like CA.

Andy

5

Testors/Model Master Clear Parts Cement. Doesn’t fog, dries as clear as glass, and has a better bond than white glue. Or, like I used to do before clear parts cement, just use superglue and be very careful.

6

This is the best stuff ever for clear parts http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=80343

It dries crystal clear, has a bond as strong as super glue, has a needle point applicator for tight spots, is excellent for filling gaps and doesn’t fog at all. And I believe the price is actually for 2 tubes of glue.

Trust me, you won’t be sorry.

-Fred

7

Another vote for the crystal cement that Fred provided a link for, I’ve tried superglue, white glue & test clear parts glue. The crystal cement is definitely better in my opinion.

8

i have been using micro kristal klear from finescale with great results[swg]