Cracked FUTURE

From doing pottery, I've learned that the term for this is "crazing" and it happens when layers don't shrink at the same rate. So if you have a bowl or a mug and you put the glaze on, and the stoneware mug shrinks faster or slower than the glass glaze, you get the cracks.

The same applies to models. The curing of the paint/future can lead to one not shrinking/fitting at the same rate as the other. Rapid temperature changes can also cause this. It could have something to do with the humidity as well-- as this can effect the way the future dries. Have the models been through rapid temperature changes?

I'd recommend trying out thinning the future 4 parts future, 1 part 91% (or higher) Isopropyl alcohol (which is also a great thinner for Tamiya acrylics). Don't bother with the 70% stuff.

Future sort of disolves itself and fills in cracks in it's own finish. You can likely put another coat over the crazed surface and it might correct it. The worst case scenario would be that you'll have to remove the future, lose the decals and have to do that again. Windex will remove the future. Just spray it on like you're cleaning a window and wipe it off 30 seconds later. It may take more than one application.

Also, search the forums for this as well-- I'm sure you'll get further advice.

Nathaniel

I agree with Nathaniel, although I've never seen a need to thin Future. It's just the differing rates at which the paints cured. Another coat of Future should fix the problem.

thanks nat, we only have access to 70% isopropyl alcohol.. what are our alternatives? windex? do hobby shops carry the 91%? thanks a lot.

Luis - a lot of pharmacies carry 91% iso... if you don't see it ask at the counter as they might sell it from a bulk bottle... if you do happen to already have some Tamiya thinner that will work as well.. a little more expensive but it will work. (the acrylic thinner)

I use 1 drop of windex in the airbrush cup when I shoot future. I find it helps thin it out.

thanks tom, i happen to have tamiya acrylic thinner because i primarily use tamiya and Gunze paints. i want to be a believer in future really, it's cheap and does the job properly. i have used it on some of my models already. i used to use just tamiya clear till i found out about future.
i really love my models and would like to make sure there are no foul ups for years to come..

will windex or any glass cleaner with ammonia work the same as the tamiya acrylic thinner for this cracking problem?