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Glazing Photo-etched Instrument Panels

I like etched instrument panels with photo or paper dials, they look really good when completed. Although the photo dials are usually quite glossy, they never have the look of glass. To give the dials that glass look I have tried clear varnish, and thinned white glue. I’m sure there are other mediums that can be used, but there always seems to be a problem with what ever I use. The problem stems from the fact that you can’t get a complete seal between the photo dials and the etched panel. So when you add the varnish or white glue it is whisked away by capillary action. You can get around this by adding more and more of your favourite medium until there is no where for it to go and it finally does the job. None of this is very satisfactory, but to the great relief of modellers everywhere I have a wonderful solution. This is what you do...



Paint your instrument panel the correct colour and complete any dry brushing and other detail painting. Take a soft flat brush and dip it in Klear (Future in the U.S.), remove most of it by scraping the brush on the edge of the container and gently brush the back of the instrument panel. This will leave the Klear bridging the holes for the dials. The Klear in one or two of the dial holes might burst but you can just go over it again.

Once all the holes are glazed leave it to dry, this doesn’t take long but I left it for day. You can if you want apply another coat.

The finished “glass” appears to be surprisingly tough. It is very real looking, although it’s very difficult to get a decent picture, take a look at the picture of my Mosquito FB Mk VI, see what you think. There you have it another use for Klear and a very easy and affective way of glazing etched instrument panels.