jacoballardtattoo Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 So I have been thinking about creating some parts for my current build out of standard store brand aluminum foil (door panels that are mentioned to mimic aluminum sheet, simply engine tin heat shields) but I'm not sure if it will paint very well. Has any one used foil for parts that are meant for paint? What was your results? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sidney Schwartz Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 Why would you paint it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacoballardtattoo Posted April 20, 2015 Author Share Posted April 20, 2015 I'm building a Baja bug with chrome don't get you home style so I want the engine tins painted blue along with the doghouse. I am also trying to create an interior because this kit doesn't include any for off door paneling. I don't have any poly styrene and don't see the budget allowing it anytime soon so I was thinking the foil could be a good option in its place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Art Anderson Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 So I have been thinking about creating some parts for my current build out of standard store brand aluminum foil (door panels that are mentioned to mimic aluminum sheet, simply engine tin heat shields) but I'm not sure if it will paint very well. Has any one used foil for parts that are meant for paint? What was your results? The thin aluminum from a soda can would actually work better than foil, due to its being a harder aluminum alloy. Just cut a can apart, then use fine grit sandpaper to strip off the printed graphics, and either leave it a brushed finish, or polish it before you shape it into the shields you want to make, perhaps. That stuff is very thin, but will hold a shape far better than Reynolds Wrap, in my experience. Art Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacoballardtattoo Posted April 20, 2015 Author Share Posted April 20, 2015 Thank you Art. I will give that a try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chunkypeanutbutter Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 If you can't afford styrene, pick up a few For Sale signs at Walmart or a bargain outlet. You can get a nice-sized sheet of styrene this way for about a dollar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacoballardtattoo Posted April 20, 2015 Author Share Posted April 20, 2015 Oh wow! Thanks for the sign tip, I have butchered up old tupaware (I know I misspelled that one) for the plastic but never did think of the signs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astroracer Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 A pack of .010 thk x 4 x 12 Evergreen sheet styrene (4 sheets I think) is usually about 4 bucks, not that expensive. On that note, I built a 1/16th scale '56 post car out of a '55 hardtop and the side windows are "Please Do Not Smoke" placards from motel rooms. Most of the car was built on the road going to and from model shows... Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Bacon Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 The thin aluminum from a soda can would actually work better than foil, due to its being a harder aluminum alloy. And watch your fingers! The edge of a cut can is pretty sharp. I expect you can guess how I know... All the best, Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacoballardtattoo Posted April 21, 2015 Author Share Posted April 21, 2015 A pack of .010 thk x 4 x 12 Evergreen sheet styrene (4 sheets I think) is usually about 4 bucks, not that expensive. On that note, I built a 1/16th scale '56 post car out of a '55 hardtop and the side windows are "Please Do Not Smoke" placards from motel rooms. Most of the car was built on the road going to and from model shows... Thanks for the cost info. I have to be honest I did not research the cost of the styrene before posting. (Now I feel a little stupid. Lol) around the 10$ or less tame is rather doable actually. I just need to find a retailer for it . I love in San Tan valley AZ so other than Walmart or Fry's (Kroger) I'm a good 20+ miles from anything remotely model related. I'll need to try hobby lobby the next time I'm out. But great suggestion with the signs too. Mark And watch your fingers! The edge of a cut can is pretty sharp. I expect you can guess how I know... All the best, Matt Yeah Matt I'm familiar with the sharp edges (probably for the same reason) I have used soda/beer cans for years for a number of things. Building a body for my 10th scale r/c rock crawler so it would show off road damage, in the field exhaust repair... I actually made a 10mm wrench to repair my humvee out of energy drink cans in Afghanistan one time. It took almost 20 minutes and I went through like six cams to do it, but hey it worked and it only cost me one major cut on my pointer finger. Lol. Good old super glue fixed that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacoballardtattoo Posted April 21, 2015 Author Share Posted April 21, 2015 Wow I messed that up! Mark I responded to your comment but the response is added to the quote. Lol. Bye the way the build I'm working on that this question was for is in the workbench section under 63 Baja please check out out leave some comments. (It hasn't shown to be a popular thread yet) I don't have much in there right now but will be updating more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retroguy Posted April 21, 2015 Share Posted April 21, 2015 I use aluminum baking pans,cheap and flat... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace-Garageguy Posted April 21, 2015 Share Posted April 21, 2015 (edited) Aluminum flashing for house roofs also can work very well for interior panels on race cars. Depending on the exact product, it often has a "brushed" and clear anodized surface. Again, depending on the specific product, the stuff can look much like the real thing. It's more rigid than either pie pans or foil. It's cheap too. Edited April 21, 2015 by Ace-Garageguy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacoballardtattoo Posted April 21, 2015 Author Share Posted April 21, 2015 Nice! I'm getting some great ideas here, guess I addled the right question this time. Lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.