Model gluing is a hobby that requires precision, manual skills, accuracy and a lot of patience. The kits available on store shelves may differ from each other, among other things, in the material they are made of. Plastic models, for example, are very popular. What should be kept in mind when building them and what accessories should be bought to start the adventure with plastic models?
Beginner modeler should get a simple kit consisting of a small number of elements. This way you can verify whether this type of activity will appeal to you. After some time, you can face a slightly more complicated construction.
How to assemble plastic models? To each of them comes with a detailed instruction manual, in which you can find all the necessary information on how to assemble a particular model and which parts should be connected in turn. An indispensable element of every model-maker’s equipment is properly matched glue. We may have to deal with several types of it. One of them is polystyrene glue. Its main advantage is that it bonds very quickly. Unfortunately, it may contribute to dissolving of plastic. Consequently, it should be used in moderation. Once dry, this type of adhesive is as durable as plastic. Polystyrene glue is available in liquid and toothpaste-like consistency.
Super glue also works well for working with plastic models. They are perfect for gluing different materials together, such as metal and plastic. If you want to obtain a very strong connection, it is worth reaching for epoxy resin. Its disadvantage is the long drying time, which can range from 5 minutes to even 24 hours. Water-based adhesives, which do not damage the surface of transparent elements and do not dirty models, are worth mentioning here. The density of adhesives is adjusted to the type and size of parts that need to be glued together. To apply the glue, you can use a special applicator, a brush or a needle.
After gluing the plastic model, it should be painted. For this purpose, special modeling oil or acrylic paints and a brush or – for experienced modelers – an airbrush are used. The size of the brush should be adjusted to the size of the individual parts. Before you start painting, wash the parts, dry them thoroughly, and apply primer. In addition, you can mark the contours with a pencil. While painting, make sure that the brush always moves in the same direction. When the paint is dry, apply another coat of paint. If the different colors are not supposed to touch each other, use tape to separate them. When the painting is finished, wash the brushes.
What kind of accessories should a person, who wants to start his adventure with model building, buy? At the very beginning nail clippers and a segmented knife with a blade divided into breakable fragments will be sufficient. The latter accessory works very well for cutting out individual parts.
If you want to continue your adventure with plastic models, it is worth buying a special modeling knife with a triangular blade. It is very sharp and looks a bit like a surgical scalpel. This type of knife allows for precise cutting and processing of parts. In addition, you will need modeling pliers for cutting out of frames and a file for sanding individual parts. To avoid damaging your table or desk while assembling a plastic model, it is worth investing in a special cutting mat.
It slowly begins to resemble a truck ? I did not expect that plastic modeling can be such an interesting hobby….
Published by gran_turismo_collector Sunday, July 19, 2020
Featured Image: Pixabay
