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Light Blocking Techniques

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  • Member since
    October 2010
Light Blocking Techniques
Posted by Warmuncher on Sunday, September 25, 2011 9:29 AM

Hi,

I just recently entered the world of lighted models.  I have seen many builds that talk about adding light blocker to the inside surfaces of the pieces that house the lights.  However, no one ever  mentions what this magical light blocking material is.  I assume these are paints of some kind applied by a airbrush or other airisol method.  I am finishing up my first lighted model now.  As long as the lights are not too dim you cannot see the light bleed.  However, in the dark the light bleed is obvious. 

Anyone have any helpful advice?

You can find me on Photobucket under Warmuncher

Proud Member of Southern Maine Scale Modelers, IPMS

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: Sydney, Australia
Posted by Phil_H on Sunday, September 25, 2011 9:54 AM

Sometimes it can be paint, but to block brighter light sources, one may have to use something like metal foil. Just be careful not to short your wiring on it if you do use it.

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Sunday, September 25, 2011 11:15 AM

Aluminum paint is best for blocking light.  They use a coat of aluminum paint on fabric aircraft to keep the UV from getting through the color paint and damaging the fabric. The fabric is clear doped first, then the aluminum, then the color.  Takes very little aluminum to completely stop light.

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    February 2007
Posted by mitsdude on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 3:05 AM

I use aluminum tape. Sold in rolls kinda like "Duck Tape".

I got mine at Lowes in the department with metal duct work.

 

  • Member since
    October 2010
Posted by Warmuncher on Thursday, September 29, 2011 5:01 PM

Are there any paints that would do the same job? I have some rather unusual pieces that have little to no tolerance for foreign objects when put together.  I have some aluminum tape that I will most likely use for certain areas of the model but it won't work for all areas. 

Thanks guys.

You can find me on Photobucket under Warmuncher

Proud Member of Southern Maine Scale Modelers, IPMS

  • Member since
    August 2007
  • From: back country of SO-CAL, at the birth place of Naval Aviation
Posted by DUSTER on Monday, October 3, 2011 10:53 PM

I would agree with Don's suggestion of an aluminum/silver color paint.

I would think that to keep costs down you could use a silver spray can from a big box store instead of  using your more expensive model paint.

 In the case of close tolerances to some component where paint/masking etc. is impractical, perhaps you could use a silver ink marker, usually available in sets (with other metallic color pens) in many stores- I got some at the 99store

HTH

Steve

Building the perfect model---just not quite yet  Confused

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