What kind of tape should I use to create resin windows ?

Stellar_Expanse · Post by **Stellar_Expanse** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 7:18 pm

Im going to be creating a lighted Star Trek model...I will be dremeling out the windows and fillling them with clear epoxy...Here is the question...What is the best kind of Tape to use to prevent seeping onto the clean side of the model?

TREKKRIFFIC · Post by **TREKKRIFFIC** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 7:25 pm

Stellar_Expanse wrote:Im going to be creating a lighted Star Trek model...I will be dremeling out the windows and fillling them with clear epoxy...Here is the question...What is the best kind of Tape to use to prevent seeping onto the clean side of the model?

I used good ol' Scotch brand Magic tape when I did mine.

Stellar_Expanse · Post by **Stellar_Expanse** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 7:39 pm

You didnt have any seeping? I did a USS Defiant about a year ago and used scotch brand masking tape....and the resin seeped through and ruined the model ( It was painted and detailed)....I was disgusted. Ill try the magic tape. Thanks

WarpeD · Post by **WarpeD** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 11:38 pm

I'd like to add a related question - what is the best epoxy (or other substance) with which to make perfectly flush windows?

Perhaps that also affects the weeping process when Scotch Magic Transparent Tape is used.

I still have that rather large fiberglass refit to drill n' fill. This step I find rather scary, expecially since I will then have to mask all those portholes prior to painting.

TREKKRIFFIC · Post by **TREKKRIFFIC** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 10:57 am

Stellar_Expanse wrote:You didnt have any seeping? I did a USS Defiant about a year ago and used scotch brand masking tape....and the resin seeped through and ruined the model ( It was painted and detailed)....I was disgusted. Ill try the magic tape. Thanks

When I did my 18" Enterprise I used this stuff with no problem:

http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=75&

Of course, I filled my windows before I did the final paint job. Any imperfections could easily be sanded flush with the hull without marring the finish. Of course, that meant I had to mask off any windows where I wanted light to shine thru. I also wasn't worried about the resin being absolutely clear since I laid white decals over the top anyway. The decals help to diffuse the light and your windows will appear to be lit even with the power off.

Jonas Calhoun · Post by **Jonas Calhoun** » Fri Feb 02, 2007 2:52 pm

Scotch tape--make it the clear stuff, some of the matt or masking tapes can leave a slight texture.

Dan

Locke_333 · Post by **Locke_333** » Fri Feb 02, 2007 6:30 pm

Scotch tape all the way!! had a few spillage if not firmely pressed against the model... As for resin, i really like the Envirotex lite, it's still soft after 24 hours and can be removed more or less easely with a sharp knife.

suwalski · Post by **suwalski** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 12:39 am

Scotch tape is good. But the Envirotex I can't recommend. The stuff never sets on me. Ever. It remains soft and sticky for months.

oggy4u · Post by **oggy4u** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 10:52 pm

Besides seeping doesn't the resin generate a lot of heat while it cures?Enough to soften the plastic and cause some warpage???

Jonas Calhoun · Post by **Jonas Calhoun** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 12:29 pm

Unless it's a really large window, it shouldn't generate enough heat--there just isn't enough chemical mixture to do it.

Dan

suwalski · Post by **suwalski** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 10:31 am

Seeping is really easy to solve. When applying the tape, just use your fingernail to really make it stick around the edges of the window.

The Scotch matte stuff makes it really easy to see if something is stuck down well.

macfrank · Post by **macfrank** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 11:11 am

I haven't tried this... but why not use the good old masking trick of spraying Future from the inside (where the resin will go) and letting it dry? The Future will act as a barrier for the resin.

Envirotex is easy to work with but it does take a very long time to cure. Other options are Alumilite clear resin (very, very short working time) and clear dental acrylic (usually sold in drug stores as fake nail repair & glue). This stuff is the best - it's as hard as styrene and water clear. The two big disadvantages are the smell (it really is overpowering) and the cost.
Frank

Kenny · Post by **Kenny** » Thu Mar 15, 2007 3:46 am

What about NOT epoxy?I use Testors clear parts cement & window maker for similar things. Wipe any excess away with a paint brush or cotton bud.

Post by **TER-OR** » Sat Mar 17, 2007 7:48 pm

gently mixed 30min epoxy does work. You have to be careful, of course. It's easier to get bubbles in it than the Envirotex, but it does cure much faster.

Some tends to be a bit yellow, though, so be careful and test it first.

Starship Modeler Discussion Forums

What kind of tape should I use to create resin windows ?

What kind of tape should I use to create resin windows ?

Re: What kind of tape should I use to create resin windows ?