Best technique to paint aircraft canopy videos

[Phobosdeimos71]

Hi

I was just looking at some of my previous models I have built and in particular an Apache Helicopter and noticed the clear cockpit pieces are foggy and smokey.

Are there any videos on techniques to prevent the canopy pieces from becoming foggy so you can't see through them.

It kinda ruins the model.

Thank-you
Phobos

[Tandrade]

Hello friend!
See the ISM, Paul videos on youtube , you learn everything there!

[ScaleArmorBuilder]

Up untill recently I brush painted all my models. For canopies I just carefully brush painted them without masking. Works well if you have a steady hand. I always had bad luck with paint bleeding through tape.

[cib2265]

Are there any videos on techniques to prevent the canopy pieces from becoming foggy so you can't see through them.

The standard technique is to:

1. after carefully cutting the canopy from the sprue, and polishing out any seams or rough spots, dip it in Klear (Pledge etc). I usually dip it for 30 seconds or so, then let the excess drip off in the container, then put the whole thing in a sealed (not airtight, just so dust wont get in) box overnight, usually resting on a piece of paper towel to absorb any runoff.

2. repeat if necessary, or use some polishing sponges to get a better shine.

3. Masking - I use 1mm wide tape (buy or make your own out of 6mm Tamiya tape) to do all the corners/compound curves etc, then fill in with 6mm/10mm tape. The other method is to place a large piece of tape over the whole thing and use a brand new knife to carefully trim around the edges. I prefer the 1mm tape technique for better control.

4. Install on model - use slightly watered down Kristal Klear and glue the masked but unpainted canopy to your model - I use the pointy end of a toothpick and dont use too much glue. You should do this just before you are about to prime the model entirely. Klear likes a bit of pressure so if you can, tape the canopy down after pushing it in place and leave overnight before starting the next process. Wipe off any excess glue with a damp cotton bud.

Alternative - if you want to paint the inside frames and/or have an open section do this separately first and then install on model.

5. Prime
6. Paint
7. Gloss coat for decals
8. Decals
9. Gloss coat over decals
10. Weathering/washes etc
11. Flat Coat
12. More weathering (usually pigments)
13. Only now do you remove your masking - it should be the absolute final thing you do and this should prevent any fogging or smokiness as the clear parts are sealed from start to finish.

Hope that helps.

[mincemeat]

The only thing I can add after the last great post by CIB is, don't use CA or "super" glue for clear parts or Tamiya's Extra Thin. Testors makes a clear parts glue if you can't find the Micro Kristal Klear. Elmer's white glue may work too since it's water based, never used it for this purpose though.

[PhilsModelMaking]

another possible way to go with painting canopy frames is to use a cocktail stick dipped into paint, then you can draw your paint onto the frames as if you were using a pen to colour them in, i do use masking on simple stuff i.e. fighter aircraft that don't have a lot of framing anyway but if i feel i would spend more time masking than painting i am confident enough to paint them as i mentioned, of course the fact that i've been a painter and decorator for 30 years gives me a slight advantage!
with any new technique though, i cannot stress enough the need to have a practice, and get a feel and a bit of confidence for what you are doing, after all experience is something you get about three seconds after you really needed it!

[ifkas]

Maybe this detailed video can help: