SPA Modeler

Hi guys,

What do you guys use for attaching clear parts - specifically the canopy/windscreen on aircraft. I've been using Tamiya extra thin for years with no issues but I've had a couple of bad fogging incidents over the past few months that's knock my confidence with it a bit - so I'm wondering about something else. I used to use PVA or clearfix years ago but was never impressed with either.

Additionally, what prep process do you guys use - do any of you still dip them in future or polish them etc.?

Clear parts have always been one of those areas for improvement for me - so any advice would be good, it's nice to get better with using them.

Cheers!

I prep my canopies with Future. I brush it on, I never understood the need for the dipping procedure.
I attach them with Gator Grip glues: acrylic super glue. Looks like regular PVA but with a much better grip. I do use PVA for filing small gaps between the canopy and the fuselage.

portman wrote:Hi guys,

What do you guys use for attaching clear parts - specifically the canopy/windscreen on aircraft. I've been using Tamiya extra thin for years with no issues but I've had a couple of bad fogging incidents over the past few months that's knock my confidence with it a bit - so I'm wondering about something else. I used to use PVA or clearfix years ago but was never impressed with either.

Additionally, what prep process do you guys use - do any of you still dip them in future or polish them etc.?

Clear parts have always been one of those areas for improvement for me - so any advice would be good, it's nice to get better with using them.

Cheers!

Interesting question, short and crispy answer:
I use always Tamiyas Extra Thin and I don't dip in future any longer...

- Kari

KSaarni wrote:Interesting question, short and crispy answer:
I use always Tamiyas Extra Thin and I don't dip in future any longer...

- Kari

Yes that's what I was doing - however I have found to my cost that if there is something running up inside, or close to the insides of the clear part it has a tendency to flow between them - even if you don't mean it too - ask me how I know

Glad to hear I wasn't the only one doing it though.

BorgR3mc0 wrote:I prep my canopies with Future. I brush it on, I never understood the need for the dipping procedure.
I attach them with Gator Grip glues: acrylic super glue. Looks like regular PVA but with a much better grip. I do use PVA for filing small gaps between the canopy and the fuselage.

Thanks Borg!

I don't actually own any future so perhaps I should get some and experiment.

I feel your pain. My clear parts are nagnets for finger prints scratches, etc. I do use Futre most of the time. Seems to minimize the fogging. I use Ca, tube glue, Extra thin...

Thanks Lyle - glad it's not just me

No, for reference? See the Bell 206 build, the A-10 struggles, the B-29 stuff, the Bobcat fights which, by the way, aint over. More later on the WIP.

lol - I'm sure I can see your models and raise you most of mine... I actually managed to get a finger print on the inside of a canopy once

I’ll wipe ‘em clean as best I can first with a microfiber lens cloth, then do the Future dip. Once that has dried and cured overnite, I’ll mask at that time with Tamiya tape. Another wipe with the lens cloth to remove and fingerprints from the masking. Then I’ll glue in place using Testors clear parts glue.

Thanks Stik. I've just realised I've got some 'Glue n Glaze' in my toolbox. I might give that a try.

Need to get some future - no idea what it looks like however. I think it might be called pledge here.