Smoke tint window material

[Mike C.]

I'm looking to replace the rear bubble window on my 1/16 Chevy truck with a flat piece that I can make look like a sliding job. I found the perfect piece I cut a piece to fit from a clear plastic container that I found in the recycling bin. It worked perfectly but It needed a little tint. Every time I tried to do it with automotive film, I would get bubbles that would not come out and would look horrible. Everything that I search is way too thick. Was wondering what you guys use. Thanks.

[Steve H]

1 hour ago, Mike C. said:

I'm looking to replace the rear bubble window on my 1/16 Chevy truck with a flat piece that I can make look like a sliding job. I found the perfect piece I cut a piece to fit from a clear plastic container that I found in the recycling bin. It worked perfectly but It needed a little tint. Every time I tried to do it with automotive film, I would get bubbles that would not come out and would look horrible. Everything that I search is way too thick. Was wondering what you guys use. Thanks.

Hi Mike, I use Tamiya Smoke. It can be tricky to get good results so practice first. What I have learned is light coats, and make sure the paint is warm.

[Mike C.]

I have some of that stuff and I'm familiar with how tricky it is . That is probably going to be my next thing I attempt .

[peteski]

When applying tint film to 1:1 vehicle windows you use water and squeegee (to prevent air bubbles).  Did you try that on the model's window, or were you applying he tint film dry?

[OldNYJim]

What Peteski said - and, to add to that, the piece must be IMPECCABLY clean and free of any dings or scratches before you lay the film down

[Mike C.]

10 hours ago, CabDriver said:

What Peteski said - and, to add to that, the piece must be IMPECCABLY clean and free of any dings or scratches before you lay the film down

Did both. Still bubbles. The spray on stuff came out even worse. 

[Mike C.]

I used to have a small rubber squeegee for the 1:1 applications. Mabye I'll try that next time.

[OldNYJim]

Yeah, you'll need the squeeqee to work out the water and air or those bubbles have no way of escaping...

[Painted Black]

Would something like this work in the larger 1/16 scale? its 1/8" thick

https://www.amazon.com/24-Black-Acrylic-Plexiglass-Opaque/dp/B00IWACIT6

[Mike C.]

Could this be what I'm looking for?

https://www.hobbylinc.com/evergreen-plastic-styrene-clear-sheet-005x6x12-3-model-railroad-scratch-building-supply-9005

[Mike C.]

2 minutes ago, Painted Black said:

Would something like this work in the larger 1/16 scale? its 1/8" thick

https://www.amazon.com/24-Black-Acrylic-Plexiglass-Opaque/dp/B00IWACIT6

I'm pretty sure I looked at that. Might be a little thick.

[Casey]

2 hours ago, Mike C. said:

Could this be what I'm looking for?

https://www.hobbylinc.com/evergreen-plastic-styrene-clear-sheet-005x6x12-3-model-railroad-scratch-building-supply-9005

.005" is probably too thin to retain its shape. You don't want any visible waves or it will kill the look entirely.

Look into mobile/tablet device screen protectors, which I pick up on the cheap at Goodwill. The unpackaged screen protector shown in the foreground below measures .019" thick, and they come with plastic protection in both sides, so you can (hopefully) keep it scratch free as you cut it to size, and you can leave the outside covered until after you apply the smoke tint, too:

Edited January 19, 2022 by Casey

[Mike C.]

I think the verizon store near me might have those things. I'll have to check. I did try with the automotive film one more time. This time with the squeegee that was made for that. It went a little better.

[Rodent]

2 hours ago, Mike C. said:

I think the verizon store near me might have those things. I'll have to check. I did try with the automotive film one more time. This time with the squeegee that was made for that. It went a little better.

These things can be a little pricey for a current-model phone. Try a thrift store or Dollar-Fifty Tree. You might get lucky.

[Casey]

1 hour ago, Rodent said:

These things can be a little pricey for a current-model phone. Try a thrift store or Dollar-Fifty Tree. You might get lucky.

Yes, I would not buy one new at retail. $45 for the below version. ?

Just Googled and found they come tinted already, too:

[Mike C.]

That would really help

[peteski]

How about just using the tint film (with its clear adhesive-backing film still in place) as the model's window "glass". No bubbles of fussing, but it is a but flimsy.

[Mike C.]

9 hours ago, peteski said:

How about just using the tint film (with its clear adhesive-backing film still in place) as the model's window "glass". No bubbles of fussing, but it is a but flimsy.

I did think about doing that but I was afraid it would just fall off after it dried. I felt like i was getting contaminants in between the glass and the film so l needed to get the cleanest surfac possible and what could be cleaner than a dinner plate. This has to be the 4th try at the film. I'm finally satisfied with it so I'm going to walk away for now.

 

 

[peteski]

Good to hear that you got it to where you're happy with it.