Tips Database

Have a modeling question? Subscribers can search our extensive database of reader-supplied tips. Register to FineScale.com and receive access to our latest modeling tips.

SEARCH TIPS Subscriber Only Feature
Keywords (e.g. tank, weathering, etc...)
Choose a category (optional)
Search Tips Database
 
CONTRIBUTE A TIP TO FSM
Want to share a useful tool or technique with other FSM readers? Contribute your tip to FineScale Modeler today!
FEATURED TIP
Turning wheels are easy to paint
To neatly paint tires on wheels, I use a lathe that can be run at low rpm. I mount the wheel and tire assembly on a dowel and paint all of it with the color of the rim and hub. After that has dried, I put the dowel in the lathe's chuck and carefully adjust the wheel so it turns without wobbling. By holding a brush heavily laden with tire-colored paint against the bottom and nearby sides of the turning wheel, it is possible to get an extremely clean line with no tire pain outside the desired area. I have found that it is best to thin the tire paint quite a bit.
CURRENT TIPS
Card-paper glue saver
FSM-RT1010_01
In a May 2010 Reader Tip, Jason Sloboda suggested using a hockey puck to prevent liquid-cement bottl...
Easy liquid-mask removal
Removing dried liquid masking after painting can be tedious. Even with a toothpick, there’s a chance...
Spot-free brushes
Acne wash – probably an infamous reminder of your teenage days. Well, it doesn’t have to hold th...
Masking with what kind of glue?
Properly known as fugitive glue, “booger” or “credit card” glue is the sticky, rubbery stuff tha...
Paint stirring 101
I find a heavy-duty paperclip makes the perfect paint stirrer. I bend one side of the paper clip so ...
Tacky nose job
I use poster tack (like Blu-Tack) to add ball bearings for ballast in tricycle-gear aircraft. It all...
Remove parts with foam cutter
I use a styrene-foam cutter to remove clear plastic from sprue.Containing an electrically heated wir...
Paint stirring 102
I stir bottled paints with common nails – I usually use 10d nails, but other sizes work just as well...
Subscriber and Member Login
E-mail:
Password:
 
Remember me
Not a Member?    Join now » |  Why Join?
Get Our Free Newsletter
Get our twice-monthly newsletter delivered to your inbox