Scale Aviation Modeller International – April 2019

then be limited to only those

areas that are to receive decals,

which will save time. Raised

details should of course be

avoided. Used in conjunction

with decal softening solutions,

this process should result in

decals that appear painted on,

especially if subsequent coats

of varnish applied over the

decals are wet-sanded too, thus

eliminating those unsightly

ridges at the decal edges.

HEART IN MOUTH

SANDING

There is nothing more

terrifying than sanding over

decals and meticulously applied

paintwork in an attempt to

achieve the perfect inish. It

is imperative therefore that

adequate amounts of varnish

have been applied over the

decals and paintwork to

be latted to prevent rub-

throughs, and constant checks

should be made during the

wet-sanding process. If you

suspect that the varnish in a

particular area is getting a bit

thin, then stop sanding and

apply another layer. Remember

that varnish invariably

achieves a thinner coat along

curves or edges than it does in

recesses, and so avoid over-

sanding wing leading edges

for example but don’t worry

overmuch about wing-roots,

where the depth of varnish will

probably be greater. Remember

• practice makes perfect!

METALLIC

MASTERPIECES

Metallic lacquers look at

their best when they have

been polished, but to achieve

a natural sheen they must

be applied to a blemish-free

surface. Prior to application,

therefore, the preparatory

steps detailed above should

be followed. Metallic lacquers

are designed for airbrush

application and are usually

applied at a very low air

pressure or as detailed on the

product packaging. Several

light coats are preferable to

a thick coat to avoid runs,

though if runs do occur then

they can be easily eliminated

using sanding cloths once the

lacquer has dried and the area

re-sprayed. A quick rub-over

with a damp, ine-grit sanding

cloth is all that is required

to polish the lacquers and

achieve a metallic shine.

FINAL THOUGHTS

So, this is by no means a

comprehensive list of the

applications for which sanding

cloths are suitable, but it

will suggest to those who

have never used them just

how indispensable they are

for the inishing process.

My thanks to Albion

Alloys for providing the

samples pictured: w w w.

albionalloys.com

3,200 grit cloths were used to wet-sand the varnish on the radome of this 48th scale Phantom II,

prior to 12,000 grit cloths being similarly used to achieve a high-shine

Foam packaging can be cut into useful sanding blocks around which the cloths can be wrapped. Such blocks are Ideal for flatting the ridges

caused by masking, as here on the stripes on this Eduard Fokker DV.II

APRIL 2019 • SCALE AVIATION MODELLER INTERNATIONAL

HOW-TO

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