Using foil for light blocking

giggsy · Post by **giggsy** » Mon Jan 14, 2013 1:22 pm

I'm considering methods of light blocking for my 1/350 Enterprise model.
It's the first time I am lighting a model.

I was considering using foil on the interior but it doesn't appear to be a common method.

Is there an issue using foil over multiple layers of primer/paint?

Thanks

Styrofoam_Guy · Post by **Styrofoam_Guy** » Tue Jan 15, 2013 1:06 am

I used Krylon fusion black paint on the inside of my TOS 1:350 but it does not appear to be enough as the LEDs that come in the light kit are very bright.

I will be painting the exterior and hopefully that will help but I am placing aluminum foil where I can to help block/reflect the light.

I have already installed the windows so I will I will do what I can with the foil. I have a second kit where I will put the foil down before I put the windows in.

I am using hot glue to hold the foil down and it seems to work OK.

giggsy · Post by **giggsy** » Tue Jan 15, 2013 4:28 pm

Thanks.

Going to give it a go with some Reynolds heavy duty foil and CA glue.
Once covered, give it a coat of white primer.

NNYGamer · Post by **NNYGamer** » Tue Jan 15, 2013 4:51 pm

I've seen people use aluminum duct tape to block light. Then cut out areas for a raytheon effect.

iamjafi · Post by **iamjafi** » Tue Jan 15, 2013 9:11 pm

I use aluminum foil tape for light blocking and reflection. Here's an example:
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2 ... directlink
It's great stuff!

Neb · Post by **Neb** » Sat Jan 26, 2013 11:02 pm

Go to the HVAC dept at Lowes or Home Depot-----pick up a roll of aluminum adhesive duct tape 2 inches wide, great adhesive, cuts easily, and very reflective. Works great on my TOS Enterprise. I also burnish it down after it's applied---goes over irregular surfaces well if it burnished.

It's about $9 a roll, but it lasts forever.

giggsy · Post by **giggsy** » Mon Jan 28, 2013 3:05 pm

Thanks for the replies.

Ended up using a combination of heavy Kitchen foil and foil tape.
The foil tape seemed a bit heavy compard to the foil + ca glue.

Also the kitchen foil conformed more.

Only prob was the amount of time it took and the prob of getting ca glue on my fingers.

But finally got t done and with a coat of white primer, the result is very satisfactory,

Sft2 · Post by **Sft2** » Fri Feb 08, 2013 12:26 am

I've been having good luck with this stuff:

http://www.papilio.com/inkjet%20silver% ... 0film.html

Cut to fit, peel off the backing, and stick it in there. It's not just shiny, it's a mirror.

Disillusionist · Post by **Disillusionist** » Fri Feb 08, 2013 5:22 pm

If you opt to use foil, just make sure you do a good job insulating all your electrical connections on your LED's and such. Wouldn't want that conductive foil shorting anything out!

Neb · Post by **Neb** » Sat Feb 09, 2013 2:46 pm

Disillusionist wrote:If you opt to use foil, just make sure you do a good job insulating all your electrical connections on your LED's and such. Wouldn't want that conductive foil shorting anything out!