Quoted Text
Gaz,
I don't think foiling with raised panel lines is too much different than foiling with engraved lines, in some cases it's easier because you can cross lines with a larger sheet of foil without having to worry about pressing into a line and breaking the foil. I use Micro-scale adhesive for foiling, and I've also been using a commercial spray adhesive available at Office Depot or Lowes (stateside office supply store and a big box hardware store) for attaching the foil, both use alcohol for clean up/removal. It's been ten years now for my F104, and there's no sign of loosening of the foil. I also sand the panel lines so they are just visible. I don't think polish would hurt the foil over the lines much, but I don't polish the foil-- if I want a slightly different look for different panels, I have three methods I use-- with kitchen foil I reverse sides, there's usually a shinny side and a duller side. I also use oooo steel wool for a buff, and finally, for varying colors, I heat the foil for varying times in a small pan of olive or cooking oil-- it will change color depending on the length of time you heat it.
I think I understand what you are getting at with the foil possibly lifting at the panel line seam if you make a cut and polish it there-- it's possible, I just try and be careful. I apply my adhesive to the foil too, not to the model so much, and buff it down with a piece of balsa wood. I use Alclad Gloss Clear (used to use Testors metal finish sealer) but Alclad is better in my opion as a sealant in some cases-- it prevents the foil from oxidizing over time.
VR Russ
Russ,
I think you misunderstood my meaning. What I am concerned about is how the raised line will look once I'm "done" with it. Another concern is how will my panel edges look.
For instance: When following a engraved line, it's very difficult to make a mistake since your blade is trapped on two sides. However, with a raised line your blade is only blocked by one very weak barrier (which could easily be pierced by an X-acto tip. I have little faith in my ability to manage an unaided straight line.
Heh...I think that last paragraph just made up my mind for me...lol
Anyway...on to polishing... Good aluminum polish allows you to get an almost mirror finish on plain kitchen foil.
Like this N1K1 I did a while back:
And I have used various methods without resorting to paint to get panels to contrast in certain light. Half of the small panels near the trailing edge of this B-29's wing were sanded in one direction and laid intermittently with un-sanded panels to get contrast at certain angles. They were all polished and all come from the same roll of foil.
I'm still working on the B-29...
Thank you for helping me decide, even though I'm going to have to go with Italerei just because it has engraved lines.
Best
Wishes,
Gaz
