Stripping enamel paint from a model can seem like a delicate process, but with the right tools and techniques, it's...
Valid to UK only - excludes oversized items
Stripping enamel paint from a model can seem like a delicate process, but with the right tools and techniques, it's...
Servicing your model railway locomotive is an essential part of maintaining its performance and longevity. Regular...
Fixing warped plastic parts on a model can be a bit tricky, but it's a manageable task with some patience and the...
The UK railway scale is called 00 gauge (pronounced "double-O") due to its origins as a smaller alternative to the...
For decades, British Rail (BR) was a symbol of national unity in transport, linking cities, towns and villages across...
There are several types of glues that can be removed for repair purposes, including:
Solvent-based glues such as cyanoacrylate (CA) glue can be dissolved with a solvent such as acetone or naphtha. These solvents can be applied to the glue with a cotton swab or other applicator and will dissolve the glue and allow it to be easily removed.
Water-based glues such as white glue or PVA glue can be softened or dissolved with water. This makes them relatively easy to remove, although it may be necessary to use a scraper or other tool to carefully remove the softened glue.
There are also several types of putties that can be used for repairs and are relatively easy to remove. For example, "Green Stuff" is a two-part modelling putty that can be moulded and shaped as needed, and can be easily removed with water or a solvent such as acetone.
It's important to choose a glue or putty that is suitable for the materials you are working with, as some glues may damage or discolour certain materials. It's also important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and removal, as improper use or handling of these products can result in damage or injury.
Bear in mind that the removal of an adhesive is not always an easy process as in many cases it may be hidden by the parts in question, making it difficult to access. Another consideration is that many adhesives used to assemble plastic kits work by melting the surfaces in question to form a join. If done carefully this creates a seamless join that is aesthetically pleasing and not necessarily visible to the casual observer. Any chemicals used to undo this process, if not carefully used can end up causing unwanted damage to the parts to be removed. One important factor to consider is the amount of adhesive originally used to secure the parts in the first place. Where large amounts of adhesive have been used it may not be practical or possible to separate the parts without irreparable damage being inflicted on the subject item.
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