how to make clear plastic parts look like glass for miniatures

in this tutorial, I show my favorite two ways to make any clear plastic part for any miniature models look like real glass. This technique is applicable to any scale models and genres within the hobby. I hope you enjoy it! for more great content for hobby-related topics visit my website at: falconministudios.com/

[@alanortoni]

Thanks for the video, friend! I stumbled across your video trying to find transparent coloring techniques for plastic Christmas ornaments lol. I love when hobbies can learn from each other. Not only was your video straight to the point, but you offered proven options and examples. Thanks so much!

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

Your welcome! I'm glad you were able to come across this video. I do love the crossover between types of art! I would like to see what you make those ornaments, share some photos on my Facebook at prince troncoso or Instagram at falcon_mini_studios I'll give you a shout out ✌

[@Zertemis]

You hit the nail on this video! I liked the video straight to the point and showing examples.

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

I'm glad you like it thank you!

[@IllusionSector]

This method is highly frown upon by serious modelers. Here's Paul Budzik taking a low-key jab at it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGqzgYx7l9yDiLc

[@pisstachio918]

Oh my god Thank you, you saved my project, i was freaking out and this calm me down, great video. Thanks again

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

Glad I can help buddy!

[@Erilis000]

Great video, thank you for showing the research

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

Your welcome! ✌

[@sanjayram1101]

Wonderful tutorial!

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

Thank you!

[@supercat380]

Very informative video...nice commentary, step-by-step guide and conclude explanation.... Well done!

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

Thank you my friend! ✌️

[@supercat380]

@@FALCONMINISTUDIOS could I use any aircraft model windscreen or windows dipped in Tamiya X22 Gloss paint or should I use Tamiya X22 semi- gloss paint for the best windscreen effect? Which of the two gives best realistic glass effect? Also, is there a need to use Tamiya thinner mixed with the Tamiya clear paint once applied, or can it be used straight from the bottle? I would appreciate your advice

[@mayaviraja]

learning new things daily thanks bro

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

Your welcome buddy ✌🏾

[@ChimeraWargaming]

I love this tutorial. Perfect tutorial!

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

Thank you brother! 🙏

[@khuonghuynh6794]

Thanks for the video! I believe this is just what I need for a few of my cars. Quick question, can cracked windshields be fixed by dipping them in tamiya x-22 ?

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

I'm glad you enjoyed it, thank you for your comment. With a crack windshield i suggest adding a thin drop of glue. Sand it down with a 4000 or 6000 grit sand paper and then dip it in the X-22 try that, it should work.

[@antonypowys-keck7762]

Very helpful thank you.

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

Your welcome! ✌️

[@muridalcars]

Thanks for the video ! I believe this is just what I need for a few of my cars . Quick question, one of my AUTOart’s windows had nasty paint , so I cleaned with acne tone and left a ghosting effect . Sanded down with 1200 then 1500 and then 2000 grit wet sand paper , it feels smooth better than the other clear windows . If I dip the window any one of the two solutions you mentioned will that make the window clear ? I can send pic if it helps

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

Your welcome im glad it helped. To answer your question, yes and it'll work better considering you cave it all those sanding finishes. Just simply dip the window in either or and you should be fine. The thing will look like glass 👌.

[@ImFromIowa]

Where may I find your solutions (the X-22 & the future Floor wax)? I’m interested to know. Edited: is the X-22 an acrylic paint? And the future floor wax any specific brand or will any floor wax work? (I understand not all floor wax are chemically identical)

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

I personally never used any other brands of floor wax but I think as long as is floor wax it should work fine. Your local home improvement stores should have them if not try Amazon. X-22 is not a paint even though they call it clear paints in my opinion they are more of a thick dye. You can get those at your local hobby shops or if not Amazon as well.

[@stephansotomayor9696]

Love it!

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

Thank you bro glad you do

[@jimver2145]

Nice! I subbed!

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

Thank you! 🙏

[@jasoncaldwell5627]

Great video, man. Very informative.

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

Thank you.

[@jasoncaldwell5627]

@@FALCONMINISTUDIOS I'm going to try this right now with some clear plastic that's a bit scuffed and not as clear as I'd like. I have both Future and the Tamiya,so I'll be recreating your experiment!

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

@@jasoncaldwell5627 that's wonderful, it works like magic! As a reminder future floor wax yellows a bit over time but not the Tamiya. Unless you are going for that cool yellow tint I'd say go with the Tamiya have fun! ✌️

[@jasoncaldwell5627]

@@FALCONMINISTUDIOS Will do! (I procrastinated doing it yesterday- so Tamiya it is!)

[@Erjet1008]

Thanks

[@bzavala123]

Nice video! Have you ever had the issue where the polish will not lay flat or kind of beads off the clear plastic? I had a coat of this already done and have done many times. Went to apply a final coat and the wax keeps running off and won't fully over the glass it had already worked fine on the first time. It was high humidity that day, I was wondering if that could effect it.

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

Thank you for your comment! Yes I have faced that issue several times and I discovered the best way to fix it is by using a 1000 grit sand paper and scuffing the entire part. After that clean with alcohol let it dry and then dip it in the clear coat. That will make a difference. Please let me know how it goes 👍

[@boysopas5951]

awesome dude. like to ask, is that what u called. "feature floorwax "? a liquid floor wax

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

Thank you, it's called future floor wax. The company called "pleadge" makes them.

[@boysopas5951]

@@FALCONMINISTUDIOS oh . thanks, can i use it too for other plastic toy to make em shine. it got scratches or dull fading plastic color due to age?

[@msg4firuza]

Custom cars look 👍

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

Thank you! 😀

[@jamesporter1123]

do you thin the tamiya clear or do just dip the clear plastic into the jar of tamiya clear paint?

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

I just dip it straight into the bottle but if its too thick I do dilute it with tamiya lacquer thinner.

[@pisstachio918]

and if its like really sanded out with a file can i still use same method? just corious in cas it'll happen

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

You can and you will still get the same results

[@patrykhodynski634]

Hi, good product, I want ask, this acrylic paint is fiexible before dry? Thanks for any tips

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

Hi there, yes it is very flexible. It grabs onto any cures as long as the piece you are trying to apply it too is sanded sound with a fine grit sand paper. Something like a 5,000 grit sand paper

[@AngelVlascu]

I want to try this on a button. After I do this process, do I need to coat it again with something so that the hands won't damage it over time? Great vid!

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

A nice crystal clear button would look really cool, thank you for your comment. I would suggest get yourself some UV resin and dip the button in there. Let as much of the resin to drop off as possible just leaving a thin even coat all over the button. Cure the resin with the natural sun or a UV lamp or flash light. This will guarantee the button will never lose that effect. Just try your best not to touch it with dirty hands but you should be good. Also make sure to wear sun glasses when curing the resin protect your eyes and do it some where out doors if possible.

[@AngelVlascu]

@@FALCONMINISTUDIOS I see. I found hard resin and soft resin, which one should I use? And about this process, should I dip the button in the resin, cure it and after that dip it in the tamiya color? I wanted to experiment with crystal buttons, make one as glossy as possible and color a few others but I'm having trouble understanding the order in which I use the products. Thank you for the reply!

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

@@AngelVlascu I would experiment with each order. There isn't a correct order to do it honestly. I would go with hard resin it looks shines better when cured.

[@AngelVlascu]

@@FALCONMINISTUDIOS Will try! Thank you for the help!! I really like your channel.

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

@@AngelVlascu your welcome I'm glad I can help. Thank you for the comment, I will resume making videos every week once my schedule clears up again.

[@Arcdale]

Interesting video, thanks for posting it. Do you know if using X-22 on a canopy will protect it from fogging or crazing when using CA / plastic glues to attach it to the fuselage? Also would there be any advantage to airbrushing it onto a canopy rather than dipping it?

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

Your welcome! Using x-22 will protect it from fogging as long as you use small amounts of ca glue. I suggest use cannopy glue instead it is more flexible and a small amount will dry clear , strong and blend in well. You can also airbrush x-22 as long as you dulite it properly with Tamiya lacquer thinners but you still might get some what of a frosty finish as opposed to a smooth one. Experiment and see how you like it. Thanks for the comment 😊

[@marcrocksus]

I got a clear black acrylic piece. Is it possible to change it to just clear?

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

It is only possible if the acrylic piece you have is tinted black by factory, in the case that is a solid black meaning it was liquid and tinted black then you won't be able to make it clear. However you can make that look like glass.

[@Godtyman]

Anyone know where to find this need it for a costume

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

Try your local hobby shops or online stores like Amazon in case you can't find it. Depending on where you live, you might not have access to future floor wax but you can get the Tamiya clear coats at your local hobby shop.

[@SuprGrovr20]

Can the floor wax be tinted?

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

You can with any ink washes or the same tamiya clear paints. For them to work as a tint they should be used with an air brush for best results and thinned down well of course!

[@AngelVlascu]

Is there a way to get transparent primer so that the paint sticks better to it but still see through it?

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

To my knowledge there isn't a transparent primer but you shouldn't have any issues if you give multiple thin coats.

[@AngelVlascu]

@@FALCONMINISTUDIOS Thanks!

[@kr4t0sg.28]

I wonder if it works on a gameboy micro faceplate. Has anyone tried it ?

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

I've never tried that but you can im sure it'll be fine!

[@ReNewReViews1]

Wow I can’t get future floor wax anymore so I feel now I could do the following Use the tamiya polish compounds (all 3), then after that dip into my X22 clear gloss for a good protective layer too

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

At least you can get the Tamiya which in my personal opinion is better because it won't yellow over time.

[@michaelewilder801]

put a light coat of vaseline on the threads instead of drilling an air hole

[@BbBb-zx6sx]

Future floor wax is hard-to-find since the name has been changed several times. First to Pledge Floor Care, multi surface finish. Then to another name I don't remember. I have some Pledge Floor Care yhat yellowed with age in the bottle. Have you had a problem with it changing color after use? I primarily use it as paint medium. Thanks.

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

Yeah they did change its name but it seems like it's still the same formula. I saw somewhere that they did change it up a bit but it was an improvement. I did use this in the past and did also notice a slight yellowing on the liquid but it did not make much of a difference when I used it on plastic clear parts. For the most part it still works well in creating that clean glass effect. Future floor wax as a paimt medium sounds interesting. I also use it on models to add some pin washing on panel lines with oil paints.

[@michalgajdos7575]

Future floor wax is not on sale anymore.And btw 2+ pieces of fluff on canopy ads to glass finish allright

[@letrunghieu9866]

Will this work on pens? For example pentel RSVP

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

It will work on any type of clear plastic 👍

[@letrunghieu9866]

Thank you so much for your reply, and also huge respect for your tut^^ One more thing, can the tinted effect be reversed?

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

@@letrunghieu9866 thank you buddy I really appreciate it! Regarding the tint being reversed, are you referring to getting the tint removed? If so then yes you can remove the tint. In order to tint plastic properly I recommend using alcohol based inks they are perfect for tinting clear stuff and can be easily removed with 90% alcohol. And you can do over?

[@letrunghieu9866]

I really appreciate your reply^^ Sorry for asking too many questions but can this also be done with enamel paint?

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

@@letrunghieu9866 no worries man I appreciate the likes and subscriptions but my main goal here is to help out as much as I can so answering questions is my jam! Regarding removing enamel paimts its best to use enamel thinners for that not alcohol.

[@dhanacipta4602]

Do you know how to cour plastic bottle with marker

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

I don't know how to do that. Perhaps if I saw the process I can do it.

[@naprao8294]

How thin of color when get dried

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

It dries very thin and clear

[@naprao8294]

@@FALCONMINISTUDIOS thankyou

[@kontoprezent7993]

How to remove glue from a plane canopy?

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

Throw the canopy into a small container and pour awesome! Leave it for a few hrs to let the material really eat through that glue and gently remove it using a toothpick or anything with a point. If it is supper glue then you will probably have to use super clue debonder. Note that the canopy might be a bit scratchy after this process which ever direction you take but following any of these two steps I showed here you can get that canopy back to shape. Look up my video on how to strip paint. There i introduce and show this product called awesome in case you don't know what it is. Thanks for the comment 👍

[@kontoprezent7993]

@@FALCONMINISTUDIOS its liquid cement from italeri, I accidentally poured a bit of it on the inside of the canopy and There is just that little amount thats kinda thick. Ill try that out. Thanks!

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

@@kontoprezent7993 ok got ya. Hopefully that works which I'm sure it should. The next option to clean cement is by sanding it out with a 800 grit sand paper and work your way up to the softest grit and then dip the canopy in the clear solution.

[@kontoprezent7993]

@@FALCONMINISTUDIOS awesome, thanks

[@kontoprezent7993]

@@FALCONMINISTUDIOS oh btw, do you know where i could get like a new one in case of something going wrong? Mine model is in 1/72 scale and I couldnt find anything in my local online stores. I only saw eurofighter's one but i dont know if it will fit.

[@uscstaylor]

Use future floor wax works ten times better

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

I think so too

[@Trazynn]

Now I want to paint a leagues of votann army.

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

Those are the perfect models to implement this!

[@nacholiron]

Actually it's not more translucent. It's more transparent.

[@Sfloon]

erm akshually

[@nacholiron]

@@Sfloon I'm glad you learned something new and you're today a bit less stupid thanks to me. 🤗

[@Sfloon]

@@nacholiron ☝️🤓

[@Sfloon]

“and youre today”

[@ryanstallard1160]

Two questions: 1 do you know what translucent means ? 2 why do you leave so much dust on the plastic ?

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

1. You can see through it 2. I did not let it, it just happened by accident. Are your questions answered?

[@FALCONMINISTUDIOS]

If you are referring to the dictionary definition of translucent then yes i know the difference between translucent, transparent, and clear. If your goal was to teach us proper English well then thank you for the lesson im sure someone learned something new today by paying attention to just me saying translucent from this entire video.

[@MarcillaSmith]

My turn: 1) What does "pedantic" mean? 2) How is babby formed?