Does BareMetal Foil (BMF) go bad over time?

[Bernard Kron]

A few years back I purchased what turned out to be a bad sheet of BMF Chrome. It had a wrinkled surface and didn't lay down smooth when I applied it. It turned out this was a common problem at the time and the manufacturer eventually got their act together and came out with a fresh run which they marked "New Improved", although in fact they had simply returned the product to it's prior level of quality. I bought a sheet of the "New Improved" stuff which I have been using ever since - probably about 3 to 4 years I reckon. The other day I was applying some and I noticed I could no longer expect a smooth surface. It was starting to look slightly "crinkled", no matter how much I burnished it, similar to the bad sheet I had bought. Until recently this sheet had given me satisfactory results. Does BMF go bad over time? I have done nothing special in terms of storage, simply leaving it in the original envelope it comes in and storing it vertically so that it isn't subjected to pressure from other things on top of it.

It's not very expensive and I get a long term of use out of it so I'll buy a fresh sheet, but I was wondering if any of you would have information about this.

Thanx,

B.

Edited April 16, 2015 by Bernard Kron

[StevenGuthmiller]

Yes, BMF does have a shelf life. The manufacturer recommends that you store it under refrigeration if not used for a long period of time. Usually, the adhesive just begins to lose its bond. Personally, I rarely have this problem. I build a lot of 50s kits!

Steve

[John Pol]

I also have a sheet that won`t stick at all is there any glue you can get to use for it? Hate to have to throw a whole sheet out. What do you use and how do you guys applie it?

[fseva]

A few years back I purchased what turned out to be a bad sheet of BMF Chrome. It had a wrinkled surface and didn't lay down smooth when I applied it. It turned out this was a common problem at the time and the manufacturer eventually got their act together and came out with a fresh run which they marked "New Improved", although in fact they had simply returned the product to it's prior level of quality. I bought a sheet of the "New Improved" stuff which I have been using ever since - probably about 3 to 4 years I reckon. The other day I was applying some and I noticed I could no longer expect a smooth surface. It was starting to look slightly "crinkled", no matter how much I burnished it, similar to the bad sheet I had bought. Until recently this sheet had given me satisfactory results. Does BMF go bad over time.

I sure think so... especially the adhesive! I started having trouble with the foil losing its grip after a strong burnishing. I tried another sheet from a company that had just received a new order, and it's better but not by much.

It's got me so bummed - I absolutely hate having to spend hours on end foiling the trim, and a lot of times it doesn't look much better than what I'm doing now (which is really fast) - I've pretty much given up on the stuff - just too hard to apply - too hard to get a really smooth ultra-bright finish - takes too long.

[StevenGuthmiller]

I keep hearing others talk about how much trouble they have had with BMF & it just baffles me. On occasion, I have gotten some that has a little too much orange peel texture, but that rarely happens to me. As far as adhesive not sticking, in over 20 years of using BMF, I cannot think of a single time when I've had adhesion problems. I take that back, the only time I may have that issue is when I'm using it over a surface that is not completely smooth & shiney like an interior with a flat or matte finish. I use a ton of this stuff & as long as it hasn't been laying around for 2 years, it never fails to work great for me.

Steve

[blunc]

so, I'm guessing the 30 yr old sheet I just found in my supplies won't be worth trying...

I'll report back after I see what it does.

[Drake69]

Anyone else think that humidity may also be a cause for concern? I tried some a week ago from a recently bought sheet, and I had the same problems I did on the 4 year sheet, and it was more humid than it had been in recent months. I work in a florida room with a vent hose for my paint hood, and it's been humid in here as well.

[Bernard Kron]

I keep hearing others talk about how much trouble they have had with BMF & it just baffles me. On occasion, I have gotten some that has a little too much orange peel texture, but that rarely happens to me. As far as adhesive not sticking, in over 20 years of using BMF, I cannot think of a single time when I've had adhesion problems. I take that back, the only time I may have that issue is when I'm using it over a surface that is not completely smooth & shiney like an interior with a flat or matte finish. I use a ton of this stuff & as long as it hasn't been laying around for 2 years, it never fails to work great for me.

Steve

Thanks for all the responses.

So overall BMF does age and the deterioration manifests itself in both adhesion problems and orange peel. Orange peel is the problem that has suddenly appeared in my batch. It's visible on the foil itself (though fairly faintly), even before I apply it. It wasn't there for my last project. Based on the comments above I suspect it's too old. As Steve says "...as long as it hasn't been laying around for 2 years, it never fails to work great for me".

I'm afraid that the effect of using BMF is too important to ignore it outright out of frustration. But making sure it's relatively fresh and well cared for, I suspect, goes a long way to getting good results.

[StevenGuthmiller]

Thanks for all the responses.

So overall BMF does age and the deterioration manifests itself in both adhesion problems and orange peel. Orange peel is the problem that has suddenly appeared in my batch. It's visible on the foil itself (though fairly faintly), even before I apply it. It wasn't there for my last project. Based on the comments above I suspect it's too old. As Steve says "...as long as it hasn't been laying around for 2 years, it never fails to work great for me".

I'm afraid that the effect of using BMF is too important to ignore it outright out of frustration. But making sure it's relatively fresh and well cared for, I suspect, goes a long way to getting good results.

That would be my guess. A sheet of foil rarely lasts me more than a few months so I'm no authority on how long they last, but I do know that when I have had some old stuff, (during my 10 year hiatus) it was useless.

I've also heard some say they shy away because of cost. I don't look for any special deals on mine & usually pay around $7.00 a sheet @ Model Roundup. On average, a sheet will last me about 4 builds & I'm building a lot of heavily chrome laden cars.

That comes to an average of about $1.75 per project. Not a huge investment in my book. I pay much more than that for paint on a kit.

Steve

[Russell C]

Must all depend on what batches came out. I bought 3 sheets in the late 1970s, all of which experienced the wrinkle/shrink problem, but since I've only used short sections of the material all of this time, I just avoid the wrinkle areas. I'm nearly out of the one sheet below, I have more on the next one, and the third is still mostly unused, all with no bumpy surfaces, no discoloration that doesn't polish out with a bit of Simichrome polish, and no adhesive problems. In some cases where too-small pieces aren't sticky enough, I cure that problem with just a small dot of Tenax which capillaries under and holds the bit to the paint with no noticeable wrecking of the paint when I do that carefully enough.

Edited March 4, 2016 by Russell C
fixed photo link

[Krazy Rick]

I keep hearing others talk about how much trouble they have had with BMF & it just baffles me. On occasion, I have gotten some that has a little too much orange peel texture, but that rarely happens to me. As far as adhesive not sticking, in over 20 years of using BMF, I cannot think of a single time when I've had adhesion problems. I take that back, the only time I may have that issue is when I'm using it over a surface that is not completely smooth & shiney like an interior with a flat or matte finish. I use a ton of this stuff & as long as it hasn't been laying around for 2 years, it never fails to work great for me.

Steve

Same here Steve, I haven't really had any major issues with the stuff, a nice smooth application surface will give better bonding & result in a better finish, because it is so thin ; it will show any bump or flaw - used properly it's a great thing !!

Edited April 16, 2015 by Krazy Rick

[gtx6970]

I just finished out my last pack of BMF, and its probably 3 or 4 years old.

I had no adhesion issues what so ever. Mine hangs in the basement so I cant say if I have any humidity issues

My one and only complaint is there seems to be less glue along the edge of the sheet ,,,,so I just avoid the first 1/4" or so along the edge of the sheet and all is good

[StevenGuthmiller]

I just finished out my last pack of BMF, and its probably 3 or 4 years old.

I had no adhesion issues what so ever. Mine hangs in the basement so I cant say if I have any humidity issues

My one and only complaint is there seems to be less glue along the edge of the sheet ,,,,so I just avoid the first 1/4" or so along the edge of the sheet and all is good

The directions on the packaging do warn of the edges having adhesion problems. Just a part of the manufacturing process I guess.

Steve

[fseva]

I also have a sheet that won`t stick at all is there any glue you can get to use for it? Hate to have to throw a whole sheet out. What do you use and how do you guys applie it?

You could try the brush-on "foil adhesives", which can be found online at Amazon, or at your local crafts store. There are some spray adhesives, but unless they're specifically aimed at foil, they will probably go on too heavily.

[Maindrian Pace]

I've never had problems with the chrome, even on a ten year old sheet. I did have a sheet of gold lose it's sticky after about four years, however.

[fseva]

The directions on the packaging do warn of the edges having adhesion problems. Just a part of the manufacturing process I guess.

I think it's possible they do that to make it easier to remove your selected piece of foil. I usually hold it at the end that has no adhesive, and cut it off - usually well before the end.

[Danno]

I don't know if it will go bad, but it certainly gets a little testy!

[Foxer]

It must be due to my never finishing much but I still have a sheet I bought in the mid 90's that I still use .. have never had any problem. Some areas I have to avoid but think they look bad due to all the handling over the years for small jobs.

It just seems like luck getting a good sheet as they seem to experience quality problems from time to time.