Chrome foiling is the technique of applying a piece of modeling foil that has a very thin coat of adhesive allowing it to adhere to nearly any medium if  applied correctly.  Several varieties can be found, such as Bright Chrome, Aluminum, Black, etc. depending on the look you would like to achieve for your project.  Foil can be found at several locations dealing in aftermarket hobby supplies or your local hobby shop.  

Tools we find useful in the application of this material are:

     Before application, make sure your project is clean and free from lint.  If necessary, mix a little detergent or soap with water and gently clean it.  Patience is the number one tool needed to begin working with foil.  If you feel that you are not in the mood to concentrate to this degree, come back and try it another time.  I found that if I make a mistake or two and begin to get frustrated, I leave my work area and wait until I am ready to go again.  Better safe than sorry.  

     I begin by measuring the less difficult applications such as the window and door frames.  You can do this by estimating or cutting oversized lines a bit larger than what you need.  Cut a little more length than necessary so you can completely cover a line from point A to point B.  Use a very sharp #11 knife blade to cut lightly into the foil and lift the edge of your cut-out with the tip of your blade.    

     Using a metal edge ruler, I cut a straight line for the window frame.  In (Figure 1 and 2) below, I use the actual model to help define the size of the wheel wells.  This will allow you to cover the entire wheel well in one application. 

     Hold the chrome foil piece with your knife until you reach your project and lay the corner at the sharpest corner of your window frame (Figure 3).   Using your index finger, guide the piece along your frame line, adjusting as needed before applying pressure. 

Figure 1.  Cutting chrome foil	Figure 2.  Tracing wheel wells	Figure 3.  Application

     Begin to apply light pressure with your clean cloth, being careful not to tear or ripple the chrome foil (Figure 4).  You may need to use a toothpick to press into deeper molding lines or body emblems to bring out the finest details in your project.  

     Gently cut any excess foil away with your knife and toothpick.  You may choose to cut your joints at the point of the 1:1 vehicle for realism or at 45% angles for the best results.  Position the blade toward the chrome as shown in (Figure 5), thereby reducing the chances of a slip into the painted body panels.  If any unintended slip of the knife should occur, it would be toward the wheel opening where you could reapply the chrome.

Figure 4.  Burnishing down the foil		Figure 5. Trimming it up

     Starting at corners of window frames and body lines will help hide lines and edges of the foil and will allow you to join foil pieces smoothly giving you a great finish.  Keep any foil overlapping to a minimum if you can help it, as it will detract from the look you want.  When trimming away excess, always apply light pressure to your knife, making sure not to over extend your hand.  If possible continue your cut along the entire line with one stroke.  Going back too many times to cut may fragment or destroy your foil.  

     If you make a mistake or are just not happy with the result, carefully use your knife blade or toothpick to lift the foil.  Residue from the adhesive may be left behind.  Try removing it with detergent, a soft cloth and a toothpick.   Try not to smear the residue into your finished surfaces. 

    Take your time during the application of these foil adhesives and you will end up with a model that will surely be pleasing to the eye.

Back

NCWVSM 

Contact us: email