Page 21 - January 2019

Clear Colour Paints
Sometimes on a model kit you will be asked to use a clear paint (often on cars for brake lights and turn
signals). These paints will dye your plastics different colours but remain transparent. Only use clear paints
when the model asks for it or you will have problems getting the realistic effect. You should only use clear
paint on clear plastic parts.

Using Glue or Model Cement with Clear Plastic Parts...
Using the wrong glue or model cement can cause your clear plastic parts on your model to appear foggy. This
can be avoided by using Testors Clear Parts Cement & Window Maker. This special model cement has been
formulated to keep clear parts fog free while providing an excellent bond.
Glues and Model Cements

We have already discussed Testors Clear Parts Cement & Window Maker. Using
this particular model cement to assemble your entire model would not be cost effective. Most model kits are
put together using a standard model cement in tube or brush-on liquid varieties.
Tube style model cements are what we recommend most often for plastic models. Testors makes a fast drying
cement and a non-toxic version. The non-toxic cement takes approximately 50% longer to dry but has a milder
odour than the standard tube. Start by putting a small amount in a foil bowl or clean dry bottle cap and use a
toothpick to apply the cement to the model. As you become used to the flow you can apply the cement
directly from the tube onto your model.

Liquid style cement is great when you want your finished kit to be as clean as possible. Liquid cement is a
precision tool, you can dab just a small amount in very specific locations or pieces making it ideal for complex
models with lots of small detailed parts. As with the tube variety they are available in a non-toxic formula
called “Limonene” (which has a pleasant citrus smell). Liquid cements come in regular and thin varieties which
dry even faster!

Perhaps you would like to try your hand at a wooden kit?

Watch next month’s issue for more information!