I am writing these words to inquire about advise. I have seen some outstanding models posted on this site, everything from airplanes to model cars with gloss coats.
My question is how to you fellas achieve such finishes on plastic models. Not in regards to paint, but sanding / filling seams. I for example have always had problems with this area. When sanding / buffing plastic parts, there is always a trace of plastic ( a little bump) in the spot where the part was attached to the spure. This is not a big problem as I usually build armor, however there is a few model cars I would like to build some day. I have been building for a few years now, however this problem always presists. No matter how I sand starting with courser grit sandpaper and finishing with finer, under the light and close inspection there is always a little bump of plastic which I am afraid will show under high gloss paint. So my question to you is how do you guys sand/ buff theplastic to ensure a perfect gloss finish. Thanks
This may not be the best method, but it workd (good enough) for me. Haven’t inspected the endresult under a microscope, but it’s smooth to me. I tend to allways try the simplest thing!
Cut the parts off the sprue with a side-cutter. Then I simply slice the remains off with a scalpel (from all sides/angles) and then sand.
Maybe you are over looking an important aspect (or trick depending on how you look at it) of a sanding technique? You always want to block sand a larger area then need be. Let me explain a bit…
Cut a part off the sprue, have a nub on an edge. I now use a finger nail emery board and file “with” the edge until flush and smooth. Sure, I might sand a small amount here and there, but it’s not noticable.
After filling seams or holes, I take a piece of sandpaper and fold it so it is stiff. I use a small piece say 1/3 the size of the truck of the car model. I keep it wet with my soapy water and hold it “flat” against the part I am sanding. I have some small rubber block and pads (old putty spreaders) that I sometimes use to wrap the sand paper around.
It is also important to use the correct putty or filler. If it is too hard when it dries you will sand more of the surrounding plastic than the putty. In all my years of modeling I have only used my old trusty automotive spot putty.
Good luck, take your time, it is all about prep work.
Thanks for the information. I also have been using automotive touch up putty "the red stuff " and was never sure if there was something better, guess not.