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Kit Box Restoration

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  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: Okinawa
Kit Box Restoration
Posted by dogbone on Thursday, October 20, 2011 8:34 AM

Do any of you out there in cyber space have proven methods for taking the crinkles out of old model kit boxes and adding back the firmness to the cardboard.  I'm referring to older Monogram, Revell, Lindberg type kits, not the newer type boxes from former Eastern Bloc country kits.

As a part time collector, I'd like to place a couple of older kits that I have into a hobby display cabinet that I have.

Thank you in-advance.

Cheers,

dogbone

dogbone

kit collector and amateur builder

  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Washington, DC
Posted by TomZ2 on Thursday, October 20, 2011 8:49 AM

Use a scanner. I use an old HP One-in-All.

Occasional factual, grammatical, or spelling variations are inherent to this thesis and should not be considered as defects, as they enhance the individuality and character of this document.

  • Member since
    September 2011
  • From: Stevens Point, Wisconsin, USA
Posted by Tom Hering on Thursday, October 20, 2011 8:55 AM

Hi dogbone. Once a crinkle is in the surface layer of paper, it's there to stay. But you can stiffen the front and sides by backing them with another layer of thin cardboard. If you want to do it to archival standards, use acid-free art board (not regular cardboard) and double-sided adhesive mounting film (comes in sheets you cut to size). These are available at art supply stores or online. If the box originally had a gloss that's become dull from wear, restore it with a spray like Krylon UV-Resistant Clear (available from the same sources). It will also help to keep the printed colors from being faded by sunlight and fluorescent light. (It also comes in a matte finish if the box never had a gloss.) Just keep in mind that if you ever want to sell the kits, real collectors want boxes that haven't been altered in any way. Normal wear and tear is usually okay with them.

"A little more persistence, a little more effort, and what seemed hopeless failure may turn to glorious success" - Elbert Hubbard

"Perfect is the enemy of good" - attributed to Voltaire

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