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Trouble with tarps!

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  • Member since
    November 2005
Trouble with tarps!
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, January 10, 2004 5:58 PM
I am having trouble creating the "right" effect with my homemade tarps, and I would like to present some questions:

I am looking to create a tarp over the turret opening on an M10 and a few bed rolls.

1) I have read some How to's on the subject and all seem to say "soak" the tissue with 50/50 water and elmers, My problem is I cannot seem to find the fine line between soaked and not enough. It always seems to either remain looking like a used kleenex and a torn mess. How many tissues do you use for each? Should you layer them? Is there a better brand? Is "tissue paper" better than Kleenex type?

2) When during the process do you mold the tissue into what you want? Should you wait until it dries a little and is more plyable or place it on right away?

Any help would be great! Thanks!
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, January 10, 2004 7:46 PM
I made the exact same mistake before when I tried the "tissue" technique for making tarps and bedrolls.

For some reason most people fail to mention that it's not Kleenex tissue you need to use.

The correct tissue is the kind you use when you give someone a gift of a shirt. Not kleenex or similar.

Try with the right tissue and you'll get better results. Trust me.
  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: The Buckeye State
Posted by Panther 44 on Saturday, January 10, 2004 7:59 PM
latch66,
Where do you get that type of tissue? Are you referring to the paper the shirt would be wrapped in?
Thanks,
Joe
Just remember, ignorance is no excuse for the law. - Moe
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, January 10, 2004 8:29 PM
Yes, you want the tissue paper that you wrap shirts in. The kind you have to push out of the way in the gift box to get the shirt out. It comes in all sorts of colors, but mostly you see it in white which suits our purpose perfectly.

To be honest, I've never bought any. I've been "collecting" it after each Christmas for quite awhile.

I'd try to go to any store (like department stores) that will "wrap" your gift for you and see if you can get a couple of extra sheets.

If the free route fails, try Walmart or some other store which sells gift wrapping supplies. They should have it.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, January 10, 2004 9:38 PM
Tissue paper is the way to go. Craft stores like Michael's et al. have plenty. I mentioned before in another thread that I like the feel and thickness of paper coffee filters as well. A little bit thicker and more durable, but treatable with the same techniques!
  • Member since
    January 2003
Posted by shermanfreak on Saturday, January 10, 2004 9:52 PM
Actually .... I use tissue paper ... the kind you would blow your nose in.

For an opening like the turret of the M10, you would need some support for the tissue to work well. The nice thing is that when the real M10 was tarped down it had a framework to support the canvas. Build your framework out of plastic or metal rod or even solder will work. Cut you tissue a little larger than the actual opening and set iin place. Apply your mixture of glue and water with an old paint brush. Form the edges to your tastes and trim is necessary. Allow to dry then paint and weather.
Happy Modelling and God Bless Robert
  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: The Buckeye State
Posted by Panther 44 on Sunday, January 11, 2004 5:45 AM
latch66,
Thanks for the explanation. I thought that was what you were referring to. I think I'm in trouble, nobody gives me any gifts (sniff, sniff).
Robert,
Do you have any "expert" tricks you use? Do you always form and place the tissue and add the water/glue mix with a brush? Does the painting come after the piece is placed, formed and dried?
By the way, really miss the "I want you to build a Sherman" poster, it was a classic.
Regards,
Joe
Just remember, ignorance is no excuse for the law. - Moe
  • Member since
    January 2003
Posted by shermanfreak on Sunday, January 11, 2004 1:16 PM
Joe - No expert tips on this one. It just takes a litle bit of practice, and not really too much of that. I always place the tissue before adding the brew to it, then form or trim the edges after it is wet. Painting and weathering comes after it is all dried.

Kind of miss the Uncle Shermie poster too ..... save it for the next build maybe.
Happy Modelling and God Bless Robert
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, January 11, 2004 2:29 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by shermanfreak

Joe - No expert tips on this one. It just takes a litle bit of practice, and not really too much of that. I always place the tissue before adding the brew to it, then form or trim the edges after it is wet. Painting and weathering comes after it is all dried.


Having used the kleenex route myself, I concur that this is the only way I've found of making it work.

Try the other "tissue" if you get a chance. IMHO it's a much easier item to work with.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, January 11, 2004 2:34 PM
As long as you dont use the triple quilt, flower etched crap, fine lnennex should be fine. but, i do prefer wraping tissue.
  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: The Buckeye State
Posted by Panther 44 on Sunday, January 11, 2004 4:16 PM
Hey Robert,
A little practice usually works if you have some talent, in my case it will probably be quite a bit of practice. Thanks for the advice and I'm looking forward to the return of "Uncle Robbie".
Regards,
Joe
Just remember, ignorance is no excuse for the law. - Moe
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by mark956 on Sunday, January 11, 2004 4:46 PM
Thanks for the tips. I will be using them.
mark956
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