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Polishing Plastic

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Post by webby Wed 10 Jun 2015, 4:15 am

With the Stingray III moulded in purple, I'm wondering about the wisdom of polishing the plastic body & then gloss clear over it.

All thoughts & tips welcomed.

Cheers,

Chris
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Post by Guest Wed 10 Jun 2015, 5:31 pm

I have seen it done a few times on builds at model shows, with mixed results. I say try it. If it doesn't look good then wash the body with rubbing alcohol and primer and paint. All you have to lose is some time and effort.

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Post by john2308 Thu 11 Jun 2015, 1:22 am

Chris, If you use a polishing paper you will be OK and/or regular rubbing compound but to use a polishing compound then NO on the clear coat cause the polishing compound has an oil/silicone base and the clear coat will separate from the oil. I hope this makes sense to you Polishing Plastic 3887228019
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Post by RetiredMike Thu 11 Jun 2015, 10:01 pm

Chris, I've done it a few times in the past when I wasn't set up to spray. It can come out quite nice. Big thing to watch is whether the color in your plastic has enough density. You may be painting the inner fenders, interior roof and sail panels, and underhood. If the color isn't dense enough, you may end up seeing the purple body with dark and light areas.

Revell and Monogram had some great coloring, including metalflake, in their moldings of the 1980's.
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Post by webby Thu 11 Jun 2015, 11:44 pm

Thanks guys. Density should be OK, since its a dark purple colour, so black show through shouldn't be an issue.
I've sanded (1500 grit) a section & then tried car polish, but still can't get a decent gloss to it.
I might try clear. Watch this space.

Cheers,

Chris
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Post by Guest Fri 12 Jun 2015, 5:34 pm

Polishing Plastic 1705482731

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Post by RetiredMike Fri 12 Jun 2015, 6:34 pm

You'll need to go further than 1500 grit to polish the plastic really well. There are kits available in cloth or pads, graduated from 4000 to 12000 grit. These used after you've removed flash and edges with 400 to 1500 grit paper. Then a very light polish will finish it off.
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