Post by TonyG on Mar 28, 2005 15:01:29 GMT -5
I received a tip recently of a way to reinforce paper models and thought I would share it.
You need to obtain a can of expanding foam from a DIY or similar hardware store. This stuff sprays like shaving foam and then expands into a honeycomb structure over 3 times its original volume. It sets in about 20mins and can then be carved, sanded and painted.
It does work on paper models but you need to be carefull.
So you still need to build in reinforcing (such as Auris suggests in the AIs). The inside of the model needs to be prepared first with a coat of sealent. I use an acrylic varnish.
Spray small amounts of the foam into the hull parts and allow each to expand and set until the whole is full. Or, if you prefer to assemble the model first, leave one hull panel open. Cut a small hole in the bottom of the hull and spray the foam into the hole.
The foam will expand up and out the open hull pannel. When the foam sets, cut away the excess and close and glue the pannel.
Various words of warning. Make really sure your joints are solid or the foam will tear through. And its best to leave the model for a couple of days before closing the last panel as the foam can expand even after the first 20mins.
Done right, the foam makes for a light weight but rigid reinforcement of the model.
You need to obtain a can of expanding foam from a DIY or similar hardware store. This stuff sprays like shaving foam and then expands into a honeycomb structure over 3 times its original volume. It sets in about 20mins and can then be carved, sanded and painted.
It does work on paper models but you need to be carefull.
So you still need to build in reinforcing (such as Auris suggests in the AIs). The inside of the model needs to be prepared first with a coat of sealent. I use an acrylic varnish.
Spray small amounts of the foam into the hull parts and allow each to expand and set until the whole is full. Or, if you prefer to assemble the model first, leave one hull panel open. Cut a small hole in the bottom of the hull and spray the foam into the hole.
The foam will expand up and out the open hull pannel. When the foam sets, cut away the excess and close and glue the pannel.
Various words of warning. Make really sure your joints are solid or the foam will tear through. And its best to leave the model for a couple of days before closing the last panel as the foam can expand even after the first 20mins.
Done right, the foam makes for a light weight but rigid reinforcement of the model.
we need a tips archive forum. if we had one of those then all newbies could have the same advantage as the rest of us.
