Standard tools for modeling
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Have you bought your first model and don't know where to start? We often get questions about what tools are needed for the complete finish of the model.
Normally, when you buy a model, in the box you will only find the plastic parts, decals (if applicable) and the assembly instructions (except for the gift set series; see the gift set category). So all tools, glues, paints and accessories should be purchased separately at the modeler's discretion.
Based on our modeling experience, we can recommend the essential basic tools needed to assemble the model:
1. Glue
2. Blade
3. Nippers
5. Cutting mat
6. Paints and auxiliary means (thinners, primers and varnishes)
8. Sanding and polishing accessories
We also offer an alternative - you can choose a basic set of quality tools for a beginner, which contains the essential tools to start modeling.
1. GLUE
First of all, you will need glue to assemble the model. We can offer a wide selection of adhesives for various cases.
There are different types of glue and their use differs from the structure of the part that has to be glued as well as the fixation time. Some glues dry faster, whereas the others - slower. Plastic glue usually melts some plastic while gluing it together. The glues for glass do not dissolve plastic and become transparent after drying. You can learn more about the glues here.
A blade may be needed in a variety of situations, usually where precision is required. It is extremely useful for leveling, rounding cut-outs, cutting PE or masking materials. The blade should be sharp and preferably pointed for it to perform well.
3. NIPPERS
Nippers are used to cut out the details. You can find both cheap and expensive versions and they will all do their job.More expensive cutters usually have a single blade, they cut plastic and therefore cut parts very precisely and beautifully. Cheaper nippers have two blades, their cutting is not as precise because they pinch the plastic and leave undesirable cutting parts next to the model parts.
Price 2299 € VAT incl.
Price 3099 € VAT incl.
4. TWEEZERS
Tweezers are often used to pick up small parts, and they can sometimes help to adjust decals into the right place.
5. CUTTING MATA cutting mat is used to protect the workspace. When using a cutting mat, the knife blades stay sharp for longer due to the structure of the mat. The mats are covered with a special coating that "heals" itself after cuts. We can offer A4, A3, A2, A1 size cutting mats.
6. PAINTS AND AUXILIARY MEANS (thinners, primers, and varnishes)In the model instructions you will find the recommended paint colors to use, but you can also choose the colors according to your wishes. Here you can choose paints from a wide range of Tamiya, Revell, Mr. Hobby or AMMO MIG (more suitable for military enthusiasts) range of paints.
If you have decided to follow the instructions, then you should look for the paint with corresponding paint codes. If you do not find the paint of the recommended manufacturer, you can always try a paint analogue from a different manufacturer. In order to find suitable paints from other manufacturers, we recommend referring to the following links:- https://www.mech9.com/2016/07/paint-color-equivalents.html
- https://hobbylandbg.com/colourtable
Important! Should you need to dilute the paint, you will get the best compatible results by choosing a thinner from the same manufacturer. That is, when using Revell paint, choose Revell thinner Revell Aqua Color Mix, for Tamiya paint Tamiya X-20A, for AMMO MIG paint AMIG2000.
For those who want to paint models with spray paint, we have a wide Tamiya selection of paint spray cans. You can choose from Tamiya, Mr. Hobby, Titans Hobby paint. When painting the models with spray cans, a more uniform coating of paint is achieved than painting with a brush. For better paint adhesion to the model, we recommend priming the model prior painting. You can also do this using primers in spray cans or using an airbrush.And to protect the paint of the model, we recommend using varnish.
Revell Aqua Tamiya AMMO MIG AMMO MIG paint sets
Price 1499 € VAT incl.
7. BRUSHES
We can offer sets of brushes or individually packed brushes in various sizes and shapes. A medium thickness brush is perfect for the very beginning, because it will allow you to pick up the paint comfortably and it will not dry so quickly.
8. SANDING AND POLISHING ACCESSORIESSpecial files of various roughness and sandpaper are used for sanding and polishing the model before and after painting. The choice of sandpaper roughness depends on what you want to sand and the wanted result. We usually start sanding with coarse sandpaper, gradually moving to a smaller roughness sandpaper until the desired result is achieved.
Price 1699 € VAT incl.If the model has a lot of decals, a "solvent" is recommended, which will facilitate their transfer. The use of these liquids helps the decals to adhere more strongly to the model, and to soften them so that they take the shape of the surface on which they are glued.
Please note that this list is only an example and it could still be filled, but for the beginning of modeling, these tools will ensure a really comfortable work and a quality result. After assembling several models, you will know which tools you lack to fulfill all your modeling expectations.
Modeler Povilas
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