new to plasticard? user tips

[steveo3002]

i need to scratch build something from scratch , seems plasticard is the way forward

what do i glue it with ?

id need to order online , is .25 fairly stiff or floppy? , i need something thats thin as poss but is strong enough to keep its shape

[Eric Mc]

Polystyrene cement - usually in liquid form.

[Evangelion]

.25 would be a bit floppy; it's only 1/100th of an inch thick!

[thebigmacmoomin]

I used plasticard to build the flat bed on my Mk3 Escort pickup.

I just used normal superglue to stick it but also used some small bits of wood underneath to give it stregnth. The bits on the top are just wood bbq skewers. The back with the window is also plasticard but around the window had milliput to make it strong. The arch covers are plasticard aswell, guled using superglue and a little wood inside to help it stay together. Its all been painted gloss black.







Also used clear plasticard for the window.

[Skii]

Polystyrene cement as mentioned is the best glue, use it sparingly however especially if you are working with thin plastic sheeting, liquid poly is great and you can use capilliary action for fine joins.

CA or superglue is also useful - particularly when mixed with talcum powder as this thickens it and can be used as a sand-able filler, particularly when joins leave gaps.

Finally its a good idea to make a card template first before cutting the shape out of the plastic, this saves you from wasting any plastic and its a good habit to get int when scratchbuilding.

[oniznorb]

I always use mek pak as adhesive. It is a thin liquid solvent and should be used sparingly.
Don't make closed boxes without allowing some ventilation. Excessive use of adhesive results in styrene going brittle wuth age.