Index

Check the model
Cleaning the model
Polish
Painting tips
Making windows
Mounting figurines
Glue

Although 3D-print models do not differ so much from ‘ordinary’ kits, its rich details and material may cause surprises.

Check the model

Are all parts appearant and do the parts fit together properly? Please contact Shapeways (service@shapeways.com) when the kit is incomplete or damaged.

Clean the model thoroughly (Only Shapeways FUD/FXD materials)

The 3D-print models will feel a bit greasy. In this condition the paint won’t attach properly. Therefore clean the parts thoroughly with dish washing liquid. Use warm water (max 70ºC/max 158ºF)). Let the parts soak for quite some time (3 – 6 hours). Meanwhile the water will turn cloudy. That’s the wax. Repeat this procedure if needed. In the end the the kit won’t feel greasy anymore and show an almost complete white colour. It is of utmost importance that the models are properly degreased – otherwise the paint will not stick! Small remainders can be removed with a swab or toothpick.
A better alternative is to use a hydrosonic cleaning machine. It is also possible to clean the models in acetone (max. 5 minutes). Please clean the model afterwards with water.

Polish if needed

If needed the kit can be polished gently with fine sand paper 400. Small bumps can also be polished with toothpaste and toothbrush.Please mind that you do not rub away the fine details.

Painting tips

The ordinary model kit paints can be used. However we urge you to apply an acrylic primer first. Let the primer dry for a day.
After this step painting with basically all sorts of paints should be possible. Mix the paint properly. Apply only a thin layer of paint and let it dry for 6 hours. It is better to apply several thin layers of paint rather than one fat layer. It is best to dilute darker colours. Always start painting the deeper surfaces. The chassis can preferably be painted with heavily diluted matte paint first. The paint will creep in the deeper surfaces.
Usage of gloss paint should be avoided. Satin and matte paints will improve the looks of your kit.

If desired the interior can be painted too. Please mind that the material is semi-transparant (unless you’ve applied primer first). which means that the interior colour will be visible on the exterior too.Therefore apply the exterior colour first on the interior side. The second layer should be the final interior paint.
To improve the looks it is advised to paint the inner and ridges of the pillars in a dark grey or brown paint. This will make the pillars appear much slimmer.
The final step is painting details such as lamps, bumpers, striping, licence plates, etc.

Making windows

Windows can be made using transparant film. Use the window templates in the instruction.
Windows up till 6 mm can also be made with Microscale Kristal Klear. Dip a tooth pick in the jar Kristal Klear and smear the stick around the window opening. By this you can form a layer of liquid. In 24 hours time the material will turn completely transparant.

: folie/foil

: folie/foil

: Kristal Klear

: Kristal Klear

: Kristal Klear

: Kristal Klear + 24 hours

: Kristal Klear + 24 hours

: Kristal Klear + 24 hours

Mounting figurines

By mounting figurines in your kit it will get alive. The buses of RAILNSCALE can accomodate N-gauge figurines. In other models the figurines must be modified. Please mind that the figurines may not clash with the body work.