Tips on how to work with PLASTRUCT Plastic materials.

While certain types of paint adhere better than others on various types of plastic, almost any type of paint may be used. Alkyd oils are probably the best all around paints and are available in flat or satin finishes. Use Floquil brushable paints for painting basswood. The pigment in this paint is specially ground to provide good coverage without hiding detail. Latex paints are only suitable when the surface offers some mechanical bond (matte finish). Water colors and poster paints are not recommended. Lacquers are ideal for ABS and Butyrate but are not compatible with Styrene. Minwax stain is excellent for Basswood. Be sure to pre-stain all parts before gluing as the glue seals the wood and prevents the stain from penetrating.

HEAT FORMING

Heat forming, shaping and bending plastics can be done easily in as simple a device as a kitchen oven, provided that the upper heat range can be controlled. The most widely used plastic sheet materials for forming are ABS, Butyrate and Styrene. A new material which also has excellent forming properties is Copolyester plastic sheet. The best temperature to work with these materials is approximately 200° - 25O° F (120° C), and, unless you actually want to melt the material to a near liquid, don't exceed about 400° F (205° C) under any circumstances.

TOOLS

Possibly the single most useful tool for most model builders is a hobby knife (X-Acto style) with a #11 blade. Add to this a heavy steel rule or straight edge, a triangle or square, hobby saw, an assortment of small files, a mitre box, tweezers or hemostats, a sheet plastic cutting tool, dividers, hand drills, pin vise and bits and you have the contents of a basic toolbox. For most projects, small table top power equipment can be used for a more professional approach and quicker completion. These might include a disc sander, circular saw, drill press, belt sander, a mini drill and bit assortment, and possibly a lathe. Care should be taken when cutting, drilling or machining plastic material to avoid excessive speed or pressure by the tool to the materials, as melting and gumming will result.

PLASTIC WELD CEMENT

Instantly tacky. Sets in minutes - bonds permanently overnight. Economical to use. Special formulation dissolves a thin layer of each surface to be joined. It evaporates quickly and forms a welded joint; one as strong as the surrounding plastic. Apply with a small brush or blunted syringe-type applicator. Capillary action will spread it the length and breadth of the joint for a continuous solid weld. Plastic Weld works on most dissimilar Styrene, Butryrate, ABS and Acrylic applications.

BONDENE CEMENT

Bonds instantly. Sets in seconds - bonds permanently in minutes. Economical to use. Special formulation dissolves a thin layer of each surface to be joined. It evaporates quickly and forms a welded joint; one as strong as the surrounding plastic. Apply with a small brush or blunted syringe-type applicator. Capillary action will spread it the length and breadth of the joint for a continuous solid weld. Bondene works on all "alike" Styrene, Butyrate, ABS, Acrylic and Copolyester applications.

WELDENE CEMENT

Bonds quickly. Sets in minutes - bonds permanently in hours. Special NON-TOXIC formula. It evaporates quickly and forms a welded joint; one as strong as the surrounding plastic. Apply with a small brush or blunted syringe-type applicator. Capillary action will spread it the length and breadth of the joint for a continuous solid weld. Weldene works ONLY on Styrene.