HISTORICAL MINIATURES JOURNAL ISSUE NUMBER 12

PUBLISHED BY GEORGE GRASSE

MODELING TIPS

PAINTING

Tip 34) Storing Paint: most hobby paints will last for decades, literally (I have some).  It is my experience that metal and glass containers are the best for storage.  Thin plastic containers are problematical and are not necessarily air tight.  For example, my Misterkit paints (which come in a thin-walled plastic container), are immediately transferred to glass bottles of the type shown at upper left and bottom right.  These are available from Testors online sight through a third party.  My Tamiya paints are stored upside because the plastic lid is suspect.  Humbrol paints which come in a tin are also stored upside down which provides an air-tight seal.  As you can see, I need to see the actual color in its stored state so I paint the lids or bottoms with paint directly from the jar or tin.  Tamiya paints are stored in clear glass and easy to see.  I use small circular "stickers" and print the paint's ID.

UNUSUAL BUT HELPFUL TOOLS

Tip 35)

a) Steel-edge cutting guide for making strips of plastic, lead foil, wood, and paper.  Adjust the width of the material to be cut, press down on the handle, and run your cutting knife along the edge.  A small steel ruler works just as well. 

b) Finger twist drills in very small gauge sizes 70 to 80. 

c) Sharpening "stone".  Before a blade completely wears out, try running over a small sharpening "stone".  Good for removing built up residue from modeling.  Prolongs the life of a blade maybe 20%.

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