I’ve recently tried the oven method for High Finishes for my models to avoid dust on my Super Sheen Clear coats, and man is it satisfactory! i got the idea from my uncle who’s a proffesional air-brush artist. He says to avoid dust, the paint must be heated in a dust free environment. pre heating an oven “INSIDE” a small cabinet(a small Toaster oven will do[;)]), then after 2 min, turn off the oven,open the oven door, close cabinet to prevent dust, spray model,after a minute, place the model inside the oven with protection like BBQ sticks(Dontclose oven door! just the cabinets!).close cabinet door,then let it bake for how long is up to you.you can let it cool inside if you want[8D]. after that just take a look at that dust free beaty! Repeat thin coats for better and Shinier finishes!
Just ask any questions if you wish to try this method! I particularly hate dust and it’s time for some PAYBACK! [:D]
Happy modeling!
I don’t understand; sorry.
Do you not have problems with styrene softening or melting during this process? In addition, as the solvents flash off, where are they going?
Gip Winecoff
The smallest spark can cause solvents to ignite.
I used to have a dryer for figures I built when I was doing them. It was simply a wooden box with a door that had been lined with tin foil. In the bottom was a light fixture in which I installed a 100 W. bulb. Above that was a shelf of 1/4" plywood with several holes drilled in it to allow the heat from the bulb to rise into the upper chamber. The door had 2 or 3 holes in it to keep the heat from building up to much (that took some experimentation to determine exactly what I needed). 8 to 12 hrs in the box cured both enamels and oils and I never had any problems with melting of styrene or metal figures. Lately, I’ve been debating building one that would take a model up to the size of a 1/72 medium bomber or a 1/48 fighter.
The key here is switching the oven OFFafter 2 mins of pre-heating. then letting it cool downfor a minute while the door of the oven is open. then place the model inside… its really not that hot believe me.by opening the oven door while cooling makes the oven temp just right for drying. try it out first with some extra styrene pieces sprayed with future or tamiya clear enamel paints… remember to place all of this inside a cabinet to prevent dust. “you are preventing dust by drying the paint job before the dust settles in the paint job…”
OK, NOW this thick head has grasped the concept and the lights have finally come on (Wow! look at all the cobwebs). Sounds really interesting. I’d really like to know how it works out for you.
Gip
i’ve successfully tried this technique several times and it pleases me without fail[:D] i’ve had friends who wanted thier cellfone casings custom colored with racecar decals… this required me to have an exceptionally high finish. the oven method gives me the shine and dust free coats that i need while coloring thier cellfones. i also use this technique for my models where i use metallics to create the perfect sheen[;)] i guess this technique may frighten the modeller who would not want to risk his prized possesion. but believe me, the temp in the oven i’m talking about is just right, like the heat youd want to just keep your hands warm on a cold day. its just enuf to dry that OUTER LAYER of the paint to prevent the dust! if you’d like to try it just ask,and i’ll try and describe it as detailed as possible!
P.S. this method is the best for car modelers out there to re-create that great paintjob!