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Modeling Chemicals

Modeling Chemicals

Essential Products for Building and Preparing Models

Modeling chemicals are a key element of every modeler's workshop. This is not just about basic products like glues, but a whole range of preparations that allow for the professional preparation, assembly, and finishing of any model. In this category, we have gathered everything needed for working with plastic and resin models, as well as for building dioramas and layouts. The foundation, of course, is modeling glues and cements. We offer various types, including popular plastic cements with precise needle applicators, fast-drying cyanoacrylate (CA) glues perfect for joining photo-etched and resin parts, as well as specialized glues for clear parts that do not leave streaks. To achieve smooth surfaces and mask imperfections, modeling putties are essential. Available in paste or liquid form, they allow for easy filling of gaps and are easy to sand. Here you will also find thinners for acrylic and enamel paints, which facilitate airbrushing and brush painting.

Chemicals for Finishing, Weathering, and Dioramas

Once the model is assembled and painted, modeling chemicals help to give it a final, realistic character. Here you'll find products for weathering—techniques for aging and applying signs of wear and tear. These include washes for emphasizing panel lines and details, pigments for creating dust, mud, rust, or soot effects, and filters used for subtle changes in the base color's hue. We also offer decal solutions (softeners and setters) that facilitate their application on uneven surfaces. It is worth protecting the entire project with a suitable varnish—matte, satin, or gloss. It protects the model from damage and gives it the desired finish, whether you are building a shiny car or a matte tank from the front lines.

Subcategories

  • Model adhesive is a fundamental tool in every modeler's workshop, essential for permanently joining model parts. In this category, you will find a wide selection of adhesives dedicated to plastic, wooden, and resin models. Various types of bonding agents are used in model making, and choosing the right one is crucial for the final result. We offer polystyrene cements (also known as plastic cements), which work by slightly melting the plastic to create a very strong, welded bond. We also offer cyanoacrylate (CA) glues with various viscosities and drying times, perfect for joining different materials like plastic, photo-etched metal parts, or resin. Each type of glue has its specific application – thin, capillary-action glues are excellent for precisely joining well-fitted parts, while thicker glues and gels can fill small gaps and allow more time for part adjustment.

    Model Adhesives from Trusted Manufacturers

    To make choosing the best model adhesive easier, we have curated a selection based on products from renowned brands such as Tamiya, Revell, Humbrol, Wamod, AK-Interactive, and Ammo by Mig. Manufacturers prioritize user convenience, which is why many glues come with precision applicators, like metal needles or fine brushes, allowing for accurate application even in hard-to-reach areas. Whether you are looking for a glue for clear canopies that won't cause fogging, a wood glue for sailing ship models, or a universal CA glue for photo-etched parts, you will find the right product in our range. If you are unsure which glue to choose for your project, take advantage of our expert advice – we will be happy to help you find the perfect solution.

  • Thinners are a key element of model-making chemistry, essential for achieving a professional finish on painted models. Their primary function is to alter the consistency of the paint, i.e., to thin it. With proper thinning, the paint spreads more easily over the surface, leaves no brush strokes, and forms a thin, smooth layer. This is especially important when airbrushing, where paint that is too thick could clog the device's nozzle and prevent precise work. It's important to remember that each type of paint—acrylic, enamel, or oil—requires a dedicated thinner. Using the wrong product can lead to ruining the paint, causing it to curdle, or creating adhesion problems on the model.

    Types of Thinners and Their Uses

    There are various types of thinners available on the market, tailored to the chemical composition of paints. The most popular are thinners for acrylic paints. In this group, you'll find both simple products based on demineralized water and advanced fluids with additives that improve flow and adhesion (e.g., Tamiya X-20A, Hataka HTX001). For enamel and oil paints, thinners based on white spirit are used. Besides standard thinners, there are also specialized products like retarders, which extend the paint's drying time, allowing more time for shading and blending colors. Many of these products are also used for cleaning tools—brushes and airbrushes—after work is finished.

    How to Choose the Right Thinner?

    Choosing the right product is simpler than it might seem. The safest rule is to use a thinner from the same brand as the paint you are using. Manufacturers optimize their products to work perfectly together. Experimenting with ratios is also key. There is no single, universal paint-to-thinner ratio; it depends on the type of paint, the painting technique (brush or airbrush), and the desired effect. A good starting point is a 2:1 ratio (two parts paint to one part thinner), gradually adding more thinner until you achieve the consistency of milk, which is ideal for spray painting. It's always a good idea to perform a test on a scrap piece of plastic before applying the mixture to the final model.
  • Essential Cleaning Fluids for the Modeling Workshop

    Clean tools and a well-prepared model surface are the foundation of a successful project. In this category, you'll find specialized cleaning fluids essential for keeping your workshop tidy and maintaining your equipment. Regularly removing paint residue from your airbrush or brushes not only significantly extends their lifespan but also prevents issues like clogged nozzles or distorted brush bristles. Using the right products ensures that your tools will always be ready for precision work, and your painting results will meet your expectations.

    Types and Applications of Cleaning Products

    Our range includes various types of fluids, tailored to specific needs. The primary distinction is based on the type of paint you work with. Here you'll find cleaners designed for acrylic paints, which are gentler on airbrush seals, and more potent removers for enamel and oil paints. We also offer universal airbrush cleaners that can handle most common paint types. A separate category includes paint strippers for old paint coats, which allow you to safely remove paint from a model without damaging the plastic. The selection is complemented by brush cleaners and conditioners that help preserve their shape and flexibility.

    When choosing a fluid, always consider its intended purpose and the type of chemicals you are working with. Using the wrong product can be ineffective or, in the worst-case scenario, damage your equipment. It's important to remember that working with modeling chemicals requires basic safety precautions, such as good ventilation in your workspace. Investing in high-quality cleaning fluids is a step towards a professional approach to your hobby and a guarantee that your tools will serve you for many years.

  • What Are Model Putties Used For?

    Modeling putties are a key element in every modeler's workshop, regardless of their skill level. These are specialized compounds designed for filling and concealing imperfections on the surface of plastic models. When gluing parts together, small gaps, sink marks (characteristic depressions in thicker elements), or ejector pin marks often appear, which spoil the final look of the model. Using the right putty allows for the effective elimination of these defects, creating a perfectly smooth and uniform surface, ready for further processing and painting. Thanks to them, the final result is much more realistic and professional. Our range includes products that make working on airplane, armored vehicle, ship, and figurine models easier.

    Types of Putties and Their Applications

    There are several basic types of putties available on the market, differing in composition, consistency, and application. The most popular are classic tube putties, which are great for filling most standard gaps. Another solution is two-part (epoxy) putties, which harden after mixing the two components, creating a very hard and durable filler. They can also be sculpted, which is useful for reconstructing details. Liquid putties are gaining increasing popularity; they are ideal for concealing fine scratches, seam lines, and for use as a leveling primer. They are applied with a brush, which allows for great precision. For specific applications, there are also UV-cured putties, which harden in a few seconds under a special UV light.

    Choosing the right product depends on the task at hand. For minor scratches, liquid putties are best. For standard joints between hull or tank turret elements, a classic tube putty will suffice. However, if you need to fill a large gap or recreate an element, a two-part compound will be the best choice. The application process is simple: apply a small amount of the product with a spatula, wait for it to cure completely, and then sand down the excess with sandpaper of the appropriate grit until a smooth surface is achieved.

  • What Are Decal Solutions and Why Should You Use Them?

    Decal solutions are essential modeling chemicals that significantly simplify working with decals and help achieve a professional look for your model. Anyone who has tried to apply a decal to an uneven surface knows how difficult it is to avoid "silvering"—the visible air bubbles trapped under the transparent film. Another challenge is conforming the decal to surface details like panel lines, rivets, or raised details. This is where specialized formulas come to the rescue, typically divided into two main types: solutions that prepare the surface for the decal, and softening solutions that are applied over the decal once it's in place.

    Types of Decal Solutions and Their Uses

    The first type of fluid, often labeled "Set" or "Base," is used to prepare the surface. A small amount of the solution is applied with a brush to the spot where the decal will be placed. Its purpose is to improve the adhesion of the decal's glue, preventing it from shifting and minimizing the risk of silvering. The second type is a softening solution, known as "Sol," "Soft," or "Softener." It is applied over the decal after it has been positioned and gently dried. This fluid chemically "melts" the decal into the model's surface, making it conform perfectly to all curves and details, giving it a painted-on look. Thanks to this, decals settle perfectly over rivets, into panel lines, and onto complex shapes—an effect impossible to achieve with water alone.

    Using both types of solutions is recommended to achieve the best possible final result. They ensure a durable and realistic finish, eliminating the most common problems associated with decal application. Our selection includes solutions from renowned manufacturers, which are an essential part of any modeler's toolkit, whether for beginners or advanced builders. Choosing the right product guarantees that the details on your model will look flawless.

  • What Are Earth and Mud Effects in Modeling?

    Earth and mud effects are specialized modeling products that allow you to achieve incredibly realistic dirt, earth, sand, and mud effects on models and dioramas. If you want your tank to look like it has just driven through a training ground, or a soldier figure to appear as if after a long march, then the products in this category are essential. In our offer, you will find ready-to-use pastes of various consistencies and colors – from thin, fresh mud to thick, dried earth. They allow you to easily simulate dirt on vehicles, uniforms, or the environment, giving your work an authentic look.

    How to Use Earth and Mud Effects?

    Applying these products is simple and intuitive, even for beginner modelers. The products can be applied directly from the container using a brush, spatula, or sponge. They are perfect for applying to tank tracks, vehicle wheels, figure boots, or for creating ground texture on bases and dioramas. They can be mixed together to achieve unique shades and consistencies, and can also be thinned with water or dedicated thinners. After application and drying, they create a durable, matte surface that perfectly imitates real earth. For additional effects, such as a wet look, they can be coated with a gloss varnish.

    In this category, we have gathered a wide selection of products from leading manufacturers of modeling chemicals. This allows you to precisely select a product for the simulated terrain – from dark European forests, through dry, sandy deserts, to muddy, wet battlefields. Whether you're building a model of an aircraft from a field airstrip or a World War II diorama, properly selected earth and mud effects will elevate your work to a new level of realism.

  • What are masking fluids and putties in scale modeling?

    Masking fluids and putties are specialized chemical products used to temporarily protect selected parts of a model before paint is applied. They act like a liquid masking tape, allowing for the precise painting of complex patterns, camouflage schemes, or fine details. Once applied and dried, they form a flexible, impermeable layer that can be easily removed after painting, revealing the clean surface underneath. It is an essential tool for any modeler aiming to achieve crisp, clean color separation lines, especially when airbrushing. Using a masking fluid is often the only effective way to protect irregular and curved surfaces where traditional tape might fail or allow paint to bleed underneath.

    Types and Applications of Masking Products

    Our range includes various types of masking products to suit specific tasks. The most popular are masking fluids (often called "liquid mask"), available in jars and applied with a brush, toothpick, or other precision tool. They are excellent for masking aircraft canopies, vehicle lights, or creating intricate camouflage patterns. Another option is masking putty, which has a consistency similar to modeling clay or tack. It is reusable and perfect for creating soft-edged camouflage patterns or masking large, irregular areas. After painting, both the fluid and putty are removed mechanically—by peeling with tweezers or simply rolling them off with your fingers.

    Before using any product, it's important to read the manufacturer's instructions. Some fluids are water-based, while others are solvent-based, which can matter depending on the type of paint used on the model. It is also always wise to test the product on an inconspicuous area or a piece of scrap plastic to check how it behaves on a specific surface and how easily it can be removed without damaging the underlying paintwork. Used correctly, masking fluids and putties significantly enhance the quality and precision of your model's finish.

  • Artificial water is a key element of modeling chemistry, allowing for the creation of realistic water effects on dioramas, scale models, and miniature bases. Thanks to specialized products, you can easily replicate the calm surface of a lake, a rushing stream, a small puddle after rain, or even a turbulent sea. These products are designed for both beginners and advanced modelers, offering a wide range of artistic possibilities and enhancing the realism of any project. Using artificial water makes a model more dynamic and eye-catching with details that bring the entire scene to life.

    Types and Applications of Water Products

    Our offer includes various types of water imitation products tailored to specific needs. The most popular are two-part epoxy resins, which, after mixing and pouring, create a perfectly transparent and hard surface, ideal for simulating deeper bodies of water like lakes or rivers. For creating waves, ripples on the water, waterfalls, or splashes, thick acrylic gels and pastes are used. They can be applied in layers and shaped with a brush or spatula to achieve the desired motion effect.

    How to Achieve a Realistic Water Effect?

    Applying artificial water is simpler than it might seem. The key is to properly prepare the base – it must be sealed and painted in colors that imitate the bed. Resins and gels can be tinted with transparent paints to give the water the right shade, such as greenish for a pond or blue for the sea. Before pouring, it's a good idea to place elements like stones, vegetation, or submerged objects at the bottom, which will further enhance the scene's realism. Thanks to these products, any modeler can easily add a spectacular and professional look to their work.
  • What are Chipping Fluids and What are They Used For?

    Chipping fluids are specialized products within the category of model-making chemicals that allow you to create incredibly realistic wear and paint chip effects on your models. If you dream of giving your vehicles, machinery, or diorama elements an authentic, "worn" look, these products are for you. With them, you can simulate damage to the paintwork resulting from normal operation, combat, or harsh weather conditions. They are a crucial element of "weathering" – the art of aging models – which significantly enhances their realism and aesthetic appeal. Whether you're building model tanks, airplanes, civilian vehicles, or figures for wargames, chipping fluids will help you achieve professional results.

    How to Use Chipping Fluids and Why Are They Worth It?

    The process of creating chipping effects with these fluids is simple and intuitive, even for beginner modelers. Apply the chipping fluid to a painted model, specifically over a base coat of paint (e.g., a metallic color or primer). After it dries, apply the topcoat – the paint you want to chip – over it. Once the final layer is dry, simply dampen the surface gently with water and, using a brush, toothpick, or sponge, carefully begin to remove the top paint layer. The chipping fluid activates the paint, causing it to subtly peel and chip away, revealing the base layer. This creates natural-looking scratches and paintwork imperfections. These fluids are available in various formulas, allowing you to control the degree and nature of the effect – from minor scuffs to deep chips. Choose the right fluid to give your models a unique character and authenticity that will capture the eye of any observer.
  • What Are Casting Resins and What Are They Used For in Scale Modeling?

    Casting resins are specialized chemical compounds, most commonly two-part resins (such as polyurethane or epoxy), that harden after being mixed and poured into a mold to create a precise and durable cast. They are widely used in scale modeling, allowing hobbyists to create custom parts from scratch, replicate existing components, or repair damaged models. With these resins, you can create your own figures, weaponry elements, diorama details, vehicle accessories, or terrain pieces. Casting resins allow for the creation of highly detailed casts that faithfully replicate the intricate details from a silicone mold. Once cured, the finished part can be easily worked—sanded, cut, drilled, and then painted to achieve the desired effect, such as an imitation of metal, stone, or wood.

    How to Choose and Use Casting Resin?

    The process of working with casting resins is straightforward but requires precision. The foundation of the process is preparing a mold, typically made from modeling-grade silicone. Next, carefully measure and mix the two resin components (usually labeled A and B) according to the manufacturer's specified ratio. Once a uniform mixture is achieved, pour it into the mold and leave it to cure. Curing time (which includes the 'pot life' of the mixture and the time for a full cure) is a key parameter to consider when selecting a product. Fast-curing resins allow for the rapid creation of multiple copies, while those with a longer 'open time' provide more time to carefully fill intricate molds. It's also important to check the product's viscosity. Low-viscosity resins flow more easily into fine details and self-degas, minimizing the risk of air bubbles in the final cast. Always remember to work in a well-ventilated area and use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves.

  • Greases and Oils in RC Modeling

    Proper maintenance of an RC model is key to its long and trouble-free operation. One of its most crucial elements is the regular lubrication of moving parts. This category features RC modeling greases and oils, which are essential for reducing friction, protecting against wear, and ensuring the smooth operation of components. Using the right lubricants is crucial for differentials, gearboxes, bearings, driveshafts, and shock absorbers. Neglecting lubrication leads to faster part wear, a decrease in performance, and in extreme cases, costly failures.

    Types and Applications of RC Lubricants

    Choosing the right product depends on its intended application. Thick greases (e.g., Teflon, ceramic, graphite) are ideal for high-load components, such as metal gears in transmissions or differentials. They create a durable protective layer that is resistant to high pressure and temperatures. In contrast, thinner oils, including the most popular silicone oils, are used in shock absorbers. Their density (viscosity), expressed in cSt or WT units, directly affects the suspension's performance characteristics. By selecting an oil with a different viscosity, you can precisely adjust the shock absorbers' stiffness to suit track conditions and personal preferences. Lighter oils are also used for lubricating ball bearings or driveshaft joints, where minimal resistance is crucial.

    How to Choose the Right Grease or Oil?

    The basic principle is to follow the model manufacturer's recommendations, which are usually found in the instruction manual. It specifies which types of greases and oils are recommended for specific components. It is also important to consider the materials of the parts being lubricated. Some greases can react negatively with plastics, so it is essential to choose products that are plastic-safe. Regularly checking and replenishing greases and oils is a simple task that significantly extends the model's lifespan and allows you to enjoy its maximum performance.

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