Aluminium foil as a natural metal finish for modelling

[@carlsmoot2939]

just want to say that I am very happy to see another quality modeling channel appear on KZbin. The foiling video is excellent. Enough so that I am going to try this out on one of my kits. But I want to encourage you to continue with this channel as too much of what is out there is of limited value. Not to say that there are not some great channels, there are several, some of which have only recently started. What's great about all of this, is that for me, it represents a challenge to get better. I've been building for a long time, but never quite seemed to get my work to the level I desired. But I hope to change that. Seeing what you and other's have done, and seeing how you did it, well, it makes me more intent on getting there myself. Thanks for that.

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

Thankyou very much Carl, I'm glad you are enjoying the videos :-)

[@brandtall9639]

If you use the cheapest foil you can find, thin, thin, thin. You can stretch it into that forward wing root piece. You will have cut it to fit in an arch pattern. If it splits, you can apply a patch over it , sand a feather as needed. sometime I just put paint into the split. Remember, foil compresses as much as it streches. Hope this helps. Wonderful job on that P40.

[@hughjohnston]

I worked on F4's when in the RAF in the 1980's and took those heat shields off the back end so many times . They are secured with screws with very large heads into enlarged holes to allow for thermal expansion. The panels overlap each other . The colour of the heat shields is like a dark metallic grey and they are also coated in patches of dark soot unless they are newly replaced and they are made of titanium I think the aluminium foil looks fantastic but maybe bit more burning on the foil would be a more realistic reflection of historical authenticity "what a really awesome technique" .

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

Fear not, weathering will happen to the foil. I did think it a good start though, thanks for the info :-D

[@2000bvz]

I’m not a model maker, but I appreciate quality craftsmanship. This looks fantastic. Thanks for sharing.

[@justinhealey2408]

Oh man i dunno if i can take that squeeky noise?? Ahhhh!!!! War is hell i guess

[@blainejeffreys]

Bamboo cocktail sticks are the stiffest

[@olivieraubault1994]

Hello, this is a very interesting video 👏🏻

[@tammyhenson7295]

Ise an eraser instead...wet with soapy water.

[@jamesroeber]

hello, i have just found you as a suggestion from youtube's algorithm and just watched 5 mins , but i am already a fan. excellent clear instinctive explanations, thanks, j

[@elizabetholiviaclark]

That's how I found this channel, and I'm glad. I used to be into plastic modeling, and I find this quite interesting.

[@jamesroeber]

hello again, have you had a look at gold leaf burnishing tools? While the ali sheet is much much thicker, the job is pretty much the same, jj

[@Johnny-tt8zc]

I’m building the p-51 mustang “quick silver “ and this helped me a lot.

[@Joewylie3]

Mam, consider that Molotow Chrome is the most chrome like paint in existence. Airbrush it on. DON'T TOUCH it. Airbrush on a coat of clear Spaz Sticks. Other clear coats usually turn the chrome to yucky dull grey. You can experiment with areas of Spaz Sticks clear (for chrome) and masked off areas with other clear coats to get areas of "weathered" chrome. All the best.

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

Thanks for the tip, I'll look it up

[@terifarley4770]

They sell alumiNUM foil in the US, are they allowed to sell that in Britain or do they have to convert it over to alummiNIUM foil for you?

[@terifarley4770]

Maybe some solvent seapage under the foil undoes the bond at corners and that's why corners are lifting? Maybe use water based washes instead?

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

The bond of the foil glue isn't absolute, it's quite weak and probably actually peelable. That's why I was so careful when masking it. Larger pieces will hold just fine, but smaller pieces can be lifted or move around quite easily. I ended up sealing troublesome corners with clear varnish in the end.

[@colb715]

Good. I’d thanks

[@markhealey58]

Thank you for this, I think!. Gives me an excuse to re-make my Phantom F4. This is an excelent tutorial.

[@andy530i]

I know another way of blackening tin foil easily. Just get some dirty Silver jewellry, tin foil & some sodium bicarbonate ( NOT baking powder ) . Place the tin foil in a suitable container ( shiny side up ), place the silver on it , add a tablespoon of bicarb & add boiling water. It does smell bad - so don't stick your nose over it. You will get some blackened tin foil & clean silver jewellry.

[@thosdot6497]

We did that to clean our son's trumpet and some candlesticks - the combination of the bicarb and aluminium pulls the sulphur out of the silver coating. You'd have to call it a win-win!

[@zeekwolfe5781]

A nice video and instructive, but no one will ever accuse you of being an American with that accent.

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

I am very much not American lol

[@gabrielmarcoux6489]

Love the video, and just subscribed. Out of curiosity, what glue do you use? I may have just missed it in the video

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

The glue is Microscale Industries Foil Adhesive

[@Vigilante6439]

Geeeeee............................................................................................ Oh my..........!

[@daveabbott]

Excellent thank you, already subscribed.

[@Alan_AB]

Great instructional tutorial. However, I feel cheated as the final finish on your model is nowhere near as reflective as the finish on your video thumbnail. I've seen similar finishes to yours achieved with just silver spraypaint.

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

Hi Alan. I hear what you're saying but the thumbnail is a real aircraft, not a model. My finish is indeed not polished, but that's only because that isn't the finish I wanted. The foil can be polished once the smoothing has been done, I have tested the process and it does work. And trust me, you haven't seen a similar finish with paint, it's very obvious when viewed IRL that it isn't silver paint.

[@Alan_AB]

@@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft Unfortunately, it was the thumbnail that fooled me into thinking that was the finish that you were going to show. That's the finish I need for a model I'm working on. Anyway, best of luck with your future projects.

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

@@Alan_AB I had a brainwave! I posted a Book of Jenesis video on foiling after the one you watched. It has polishing in it at around the 24 minute mark - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWmso4CKfLWojLs

[@lrg3834]

North America: toothpick U.K.: cocktail stick You Brits are too funny. On another note, good workmanship on your part.

[@grumpyoldmanxo]

Very nice demostration. Clear and to the point. Keep up the good work, and make more videos.

[@emilflognoid1532]

“Its wafer thin!”

[@assembly_language3948]

Better get me a bucket...

[@linusmedia]

”Another bucket for monsieur?”

[@jondrew55]

Can’t eat another bite

[@JK-zq9vw]

I worked as a B-1b Bomber aka The Lancer aka The Bone, for 10 years of my life. In a way, I’ll always be paying for that job. I broke my back once in a freaky way but it went misdiagnosed and before I had surgery the first time, according to my Doctor I had fractured it easily more than half a dozen times. I’ve lived with constant pain for over a decade now. I’ve been thinking about getting one of the Big model kits and maybe trying to come up with a cool paint idea from history made modern and submit it to be rotated between wings on a yearly schedule for air shows and flybys. The fighters always had a designated team for these big shows outside of the flight display teams like the Blue Angels or the thunderbirds. Even each base has different squadrons so you could give the honor to each squadron. A blacked out B-1 as dark as can be with the bottom the same, except for an Area that holds an electronic paint that can be turned on during flight. A Bat Signal,Screaming through a low level pass!! The Bats of the 9th BS the 28th being native related the Mohawks, just straight up adapt the paint in one of two ways. Exactly like the Thunderbirds demonstration team, or maybe paint it to look like the mythical Thunderbird. I imagined it looking like a realistic phoenix. Maybe the Reapers could resemble a dragon skeleton… and so on. I’ve even thought to just Crome one out or do a hot rod sorta design…. Those models cost way to much for me to do more than one, and I can’t paint to save my own life.

[@BrendanSmith-vy4he]

Keep it up ur a natural, will b watching, subscribed ; any questions U are welcome, from ur pal Bren ; hog warts for first potter movie ...cars for Bond And my first ( easy to find on credits) " the Borrowers " perhaps I may get round to helping others out too one day on you tube , but seriously please enjoy and keep it up and anything doing your head In , (cause boy I can remember ) only need to ask

[@mando074]

This is great work! Very impressive, congrats!

[@tomjenssen7486]

Excellent work and excellent results. Thank you for taking the time to produce this video. All the best...Tom

[@cannoneer155mm]

I am impressed. I wish that I had such a tutorial when I was making models in my younger days. We had a foil product with adhesive already applied to use on models but no really clear instructional guidelines. It was a pain to use and very thick. Good work.

[@stephenkebbell7082]

Have you ever tried or considered aluminium leaf instead of foil? I'm eyeing up a P51D kit.

[@jimmynoleaksboilerman7348]

When do we see the finished product , is it a Typhoon ?

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

The finished model is featured in this video ----> kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6LWnptpl5tgqsk

[@jimmynoleaksboilerman7348]

@@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft Beauty

[@dustonwhite2284]

That is AMAZING I'm going to try this on a model car. Oh and I subscribed

[@DieTabbi]

Nice work. The only aircraft I can imagine for this look is the P51D,

[@theaussienurseflipper.8113]

Interesting video but I don't know if I'd eat the eggs after I bald it with aluminium. Cheers Graham

[@BrendanSmith-vy4he]

Ah I just heard your theory about blunter blade , ooops , and panel by panel , actually was gonna suggest that as butting up edged wound simulate real thing , anyway sharp blades we go easy with first pass ( with most other tasks)

[@chrisgosling5408]

Great video with lots of useful tips. It is a fantastic effect for a model aeroplane and the hybrid approach using paints on awkward detail features is a handy dodge. The larger panels will draw the eye. I am tempted to run a large scale Sptifire using this technique and also like the detail on the jet pipes model which would be a brownish looking inconel materil on the real thing.

[@c.s.castro8277]

More than amazing! Thank you!! :D

[@marcshroetter6083]

I’ve been doing this for over 20 years but using imitation silver leaf using Gold leaf quick sizing and it take a little bit more sensitivity due to the thinness of the leaf.

[@davep4703]

Hi, may I ask, you are recommending US bought foil because its thicker than UK acquired foil because this requirement is mainly because the final flatting/polishing process may otherwise rub through the thinner foil. Kind regards

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

Yes, but the thicker foil is also a bit more forgiving when trying to stretch around curves etc

[@chrisarcher5573]

Fantastic video. I have tried bare metal foil and find that it doesn't stick very well. I will be trying your method on the next model.

[@vinyltheif]

Self adhesive foil rolls that plasterers use to join different plaster-board sheets is also worth trying, Wickes sell it.

[@BrendanSmith-vy4he]

Sharp sharp blades and remember one cannot stir paint enough LoL

[@188tbone]

I love the job you are doing on this p-40. I wish it was a P=47 D That one was always in natural aluminum finish, maybe the next one.

[@kennethljungberg642]

Hello, thanks for Wingleader. Best Regards.

[@ScaleHangar182]

Great work!

[@jamesjustice4515]

This is sledgemaster. That a beautiful book of beautiful German planes. I love putting models together. God bless u and ur family.

[@j-frame]

Sometime i use foil like sticker sheet that come in A4 size to do this. Those sticker are thinner then aluminium foil.

[@jcwoodman5285]

Nice! I have an old Monogram B58 kit calling to me now🤗

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

Crack on, let me know how you go

[@richardbreisch8049]

I love it. Thanks for the tip on using reg. aluminum foil with applied adhesive. Your patients and attention to detail show in your work! Congrats...

[@BrendanSmith-vy4he]

If I am right and U are in the forces of its not rude may I thank you 😊 for your service

[@nativepangea]

I have used a leather sewing needle ( rounded points) inserted into the handle of a toothbrush that I cut off. Offers precise control and comfort.

[@the.just.able.biker67]

I've just got back into building models after years away from the hobby and I've been thinking about building a p51 or a p47 model plane, but getting that bare metal finish has been putting me off. I've watched loads of videos of folk airbrushing with varying degrees of success, but to be honest, they all still look painted. I'm gonna give this process a try. I take it when you're boiling the eggs, the foil sheets are just floating about and not wrapped round the eggs?

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

Yes, just hanging out in the water lol

[@starmiominiaturesvlog7793]

That's a very cool idea. I think this might be another level of realism to that airplane than if it was painted!

[@soupfork2105]

FYI we used to give aluminium foil blue-ish tinges by boiling them with white onion instead of eggs.

[@thebobloblawshow8832]

Great tutorial. I subbed👍👍

[@TJRohyans]

Great tutorial. I'm not sure I fully wrapped my head around what you did with the foil in the sauce pan with eggs. You put pieces of the foil into the bottom of the sauce pan, added water and eggs, then boiled it for about 10 minutes? Like making hard boiled eggs? How does the foil get that patina?

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

I'm not sure TJ, it must be some mineral or chemical in the eggshells that does it.

[@kevinabalo]

I am almost sorry I watched it. Now I feel compelled to buy that `Trumpeter` EE Lightning. Thank you immensely ... and wish me luck!!

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

Good luck!!

[@unbekannternr.1353]

This looks very much like gilding, and indeed Your hands look golden doing it!

[@GeahkBurchill]

Excellent tutorializing! You have a bit of Bob Ross’s chill, calming demeanor about you. 😌

[@leroyabernathy9934]

It's your model, so you can do want with it.

[@paulmoore5401]

Ok …maybe a dumb question. Do you put the metal pieces in the saucepan as hard boiled or are the eggs cracked and put in the pan? How long were the aluminum pieces “cooked”? Thanks. I enjoyed the video.

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

I took the shells off the eggs and put the foil in with them. I can't remember how long I 'cooked' it for, but it was until I thought the foil looked good. You get all sorts of different colours and patterns doing this ..

[@georgevprochazka5316]

Good work ! Can you explain in better detail the "burnt" foil ? I heard you say "boiling" an egg. Is it more like frying an egg on a pan ? PLS specify. Thanks !

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

Hi George, I meant put the foil in the water with eggs and boil. The hot water anneals the foil, and something about the chemical makeup of eggshells colours it.

[@matthewmitchell9457]

Did not see it in the comments so I will throw this one into the group!... lol. I was using the MICRO foil adhesive and found the smell to be very familiar... As it should to us all... Micro Foil Adhesive is just PVA glue diluted with water. I tried it with Elmer's glue. Same Effect!! wipe the mixture on the foil an let it sit till it goes clear(ish). Then use the same technique with the cotton bud / Qtip (depending on what hemisphere you are in) to press the foil onto the desired area. you can save some money and/or if the desired MIcro product is unavailable.

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

Hi Matthew, yes I think the Micro is some form of PVA glue. The main thing I noticed that differentiates it is that it stays a bit tacky, which the PVA we have in the UK doesn't.

[@Mattyj3388]

I'm using this foil method on something completely different. I'm using it on a 3D printed Star wars lightsaber hilt. As you mentioned in the video, corners can sometimes come up. Is there a way of sealing the foil sat the end, like some sort of lacquer or anything similar that can put on a clear protective barrier to stop the feel from coming off in places?

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

Hi Matt, yes it can be sealed in. Try a tiny bit of gloss varnish, thinned PVA or super glue. I use super glue mostly, but you need to apply it along the edge of the foil so that it forms a ramp in effect - making it harder to catch the edge of the foil, and also acting to hold it down to a degree. It isn't foolproof, but it helps.

[@chrome72]

is this technique doable for large items? I have a 3d printed ebike battery cover that mimics a motorcycle gas tank. Would the seams where the foil overlay be visible? Cool idea.

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

It get's more difficult with larger pieces but it certainly possible. The seams will be visible, but not massively so if you manage to make them neat enough.

[@Streamcatcher]

Thanks for sharing!

[@dianasaur2131]

What glue do you use?

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

Microscale metal foil adhesive - amzn.to/3oYd368

[@dianasaur2131]

@@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft thanks for the link too

[@icehornet1346]

what glue do you use?

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

Microscale metal foil adhesive - amzn.to/3oYd368

[@icehornet1346]

@@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft thanks, is the foil just the normal cooking metal foil you use? or a particular product. Cheers.

[@Brian-WolfmanJack99]

Pretty cool tip. I'll have to add this to my arsenal. I suppose you can use this technique for just doing engine exhaust on a lot of the modern jets, yes?

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

If you managed to get a good colour on the foil you could, yes.

[@patlee9704]

Just for clarification denatured alcohol is NOT the same as IPA. Denatured is often used for stove fuel! With denatured being more flamable and a little harsher on the fumes

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

Hi Pat, you aren't the first to mention that - please forgive this English woman for not having a full grasp of US terms ;-)

[@aattc1]

Awesome video!!!!🙌🙌🙌

[@karlish8799]

Never seen this technique before! Looks fantastic, might have to have a go myself one day. Thank you :))

[@robd1329]

That was fantastic...it looks perfect with the aluminum. I had no idea it be made to look that smooth on a model

[@joeykahn]

Thank you for sharing your ideas and work. Metallic paints have rarely performed as I've hoped and can't wait to try real foil (panel by panel) on an moon rocket kit. May your footsteps last forever.

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

Thankyou Joey, do let us all know how you get on!

[@emilflognoid1532]

7:56 Radiohead the bends face in the foil

[@spacebwoy]

Faye doubts again.

[@weeverob]

now there is a paint that gives a mirror finish.

[@warroomscale]

Great work friend 🧐

[@TheRyatt]

Awesome technique. Very clever. Thank you for sharing. Just subscribed!

[@doronron7323]

What a brilliant tutorial; well done and thank you for posting. I've spent years looking for something as approachable as your technique without success. You make the process look so attainable. 10:10.

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

I'm glad you enjoyed it Ron. I'm considering remaking this video with full resolution actually, as it has certainly been popular!

[@jamesroeber]

ps I am not a modeller as such, but i appreciate passion and of course a quality cocktail stick

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

Who doesn't appreciate a quality cocktail stick eh? I'll have a look at gold leaf tools, that's a great suggestion, thankyou :-D

[@ChazCharlie1]

Denatured alcohol is different, it is ethanol with methanol in it so it is toxic and therefore doesn't need alcohol tax.

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

Excellent info, thanks very much Charlie :-)

[@rcpowres]

Großartig! Great!

[@xweedsx]

thank you !

[@crushingvanessa3277]

I know this is three years old, but how do you boil eggs with foil? How good does the foil adhesive take to masking? I guess make sure it's well glued.

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

You put the bits of foil in a pan with some water along with some eggshells and boil it. Masking is fine as long as you're careful.

[@crushingvanessa3277]

@@JenesisDesignsandModelcraftThanks, I guess as it boils you can determine how long by how dark it gets.

[@ioannisbatas1614]

Superb !!!

[@kennethkwilinski4899]

What is your opinion on using bare-metal foil that has the glue on one side already?

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

I use it frequently, but for canopy masking mainly. It is good, but the adhesive isn't all that good, I find it lifts on edges quite easily. It is also very very thin, so has a tendency to split and tear quite easily.

[@hubristicmystic]

Waffer thin! A Monty Python fan! And so I Subscribed. By the way I admire that you not only developed an amazing technique here but you also dumped everything you've learned from experience into your video. Your generosity is brilliant. I wonder if you could pre shape a piece of foil to allow you to glue it into curvy areas. Maybe burnish it over a ball bearing, end of a pencil etc like an English wheel?

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

Ha ha, glad someone gets it :-)

[@bekoyt7445]

is there an alternative glue? i can't find the glue on the video on my location

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

There are a few, try looking for the glue known as 'size' - it's for doing gold leaf and such. If you're really struggling, then contact me through the Facebook page and I'll see if we can sort something out to get some sent to you.

[@ableaquariums5480]

Boils with whole eggs or cracked open eggs?

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

Just the shells lol

[@bambino100011]

What kind of glue are you using? Will the white glue dry up and make the foil peel? I’m just curious because I am trying to learn different techniques for utilizing foil on my models.

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

I added the glue to the description, it's Microscale foil glue. It can be considered a permanent bond, within reason.

[@bambino100011]

@@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft thank you for the reply. :)

[@justinhealey2408]

Wow...im trying to put a blown up plane next to another so i figured i could sand down some sections of the damaged fighter and lay in jagged sections of foil? So im lookin thru YT and have come across this video, im so impressed that this can even be accomplished. This technique would work well on my P-47's!!! Awesome job!!!

[@shadovanish7435]

Your idea for using plain aluminum foil (for the type you used; available in grocery stores in the U.S.), with a "burnt" finish (achieved through baking) for jet exhaust heat effect on panels is amazing! It seems most of the modeling community pros achieve this effect using subtle paint washes, sometimes with multiple wash applications, which can look quite good, but your method is much simpler.

[@dougmidkiffsr.2333]

Ur video just popped up on my phone,most likely as I search alot of model stuff here n nor cal. Been buying building and collecting mostly cars since 68. Ur video is xtremly well done and presented. Though I've built a few planes(back n 72,lol, yes a day or 2 ago,I have a few kits on hand still to build n my stash. I c many uses across the model spectrum for ur work. I am curious about the ak products u mentioned. Ive seen them 1 other time n a paint video,r they a avail n the U.S.? Keep up the great work and thnx so much 4 sharing ur work and knowledge, sure I speak 4 many modelers when I say thats the best part of modeling,is to share and help others njoy the hobby. Doc

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

Pretty sure you should be able to get AK Interactive and AMMO of MIG in the States. Hopefully someone else watching from the US might be able to give you some pointers

[@richardjohnholdenra3492]

Phantom looks great, how? With no tears

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

It just takes time and patience, and using small sections rather than trying to do larger areas in one go.

[@dennyliegerot4021]

Amazing...may not take anything special but certainly takes alot of patience...well done.

[@brandtall9639]

You do it almost identical to how I do it. I put the glue on the model with a flat paintbrush and then apply the foil. Using the tooth pick to push it down into the panel lines and pick out the detail in the model. Try a small 1/2" wide x 1/4" thick piece of balsa wood stick cut to a point cross ways to burnish your foil down. You can get a better bond that way. Mother's aluminum polish will clean and polish for a show finish. Keep up the good work.

[@normanhoneysett4576]

I have to say what a fantastic presentation that you have shown me, and probobley many other modelers as well, as I have tried this process on some of the early 1940 & 1950 commercial airliners to no avail and I have had no success in the process at all , so I have ended up spraying the model with a chrome on top of a Tamya gray primer and found that to be successfull . I am not into fighter jets was into them in my ealy days of modeling but now I am into the latest commercial airliners, and it may take me 6 months or so to develop one model, but you have a special gift that a lot of modelers dont have and thats patients and presision where you get it right the first time. maybe you should be the quality control officer for the boeing airlines especialy with the Boeing 737 max, but thank you for a great presentaion and I thank you for not applying fast forward on your camera like some U Tube presentations . thank you regards Norm QLD Australia

[@michaelmaston4702]

Why would I want to go through all that hassle when Testors makes a Metallizer paint that can be buffed up to a metallic sheen using cotton balls as a buffer?

[@omcheeseman]

I meant decals.

[@fizzyplazmuh9024]

Annealing the foil in an oven or toaster oven should soften it to a more flexible state. Almost stretchy. Kitchen foil is an alloy with a bit of magnesium i think but there's still a pretty good chance it will soften. You'll have to check online for the annealing temp of aluminum to be sure of success. Now that I think about it though, it may already be annealed and thus the reason it is as useful as it is to begin with.

[@terifarley4770]

Aluminum is great for any 1950s aircraft as well, since most were never really camoed. Jet exhaust area especially great work on the F-4! Time to quit neglecting my F-104 now

[@cameronmkrummel]

Hey thanks...I love to build model aircraft, I will indeed try this out, your airplane foiling looks incredible. good job fellow model builder...my hat is off to you...