Surface Details: Good No Good?

[Didymus]

Has anyone seen - or used - the detailing products made by Surface Details?

The description at http://www.archertransfers.com/catSurfaceDetails.html says:

An entirely new technology molds three dimensional details onto clear decal film that is applied UNDER the paint to add missing details or replace details lost by sanding. Apply like water slide decals.

I need rivets for my current BRM project. I was thinking about the individual type. This decal idea would be a lot more efficient, but it seems like the edge of the decal would show under the paint.

Has anyone seen models detailed with Surface Details?

Ddms

[tuned.by.twenty]

I've never heard of this before, but it looks like a pretty neat idea. My only concern would be polishing a model with these on, as you would surely burn through the paint wherever one of these is applied.

[klutz_100]

I have also seen these (or similar items) recently and have also been wondering about them. The concept is certainly intriguing and potentially interesting, as you say.

My major concerns are a) adhesion and b) resistance to lacquer based, automotive type paints. If these things were designed for armour building, I supposed they are spec-ed primarily for water based acrylics and/or enamels?

I can tell you though that if I had easy access to them in my LHS, I would most definitely invest a couple of bucks in experimenting with them (but I don't ... )

I will be very interested to see the opinion of the first 1/24 modeller who does use them!

[Didymus]

Originally Posted by klutz_100

My major concerns are a) adhesion and b) resistance to lacquer based, automotive type paints. If these things were designed for armour building, I supposed they are spec-ed primarily for water based acrylics and/or enamels?

Hadn't thought of that. So, if you include the potential for "burn-through," there are three issues outstanding. Military modelers don't polish their models, so they wouldn't be so concerned about burn-through. Then again, any bump is likely to cause problems when polishing. I ended up ordering a batch of .030 diameter styrene rivets for the BRM, but they are risky too. My plan is to do such a good spray job that I won't need to polish along the rivet rows.

I can tell you though that if I had easy access to them in my LHS, I would most definitely invest a couple of bucks in experimenting with them (but I don't ... )

Neither do I. And the minimum order is something like $15 - a costly experiment if it fails. That's why I posted instead of ordering.

Hopefully we'll see some automotive applications of "Surface Details" soon.

Ddms

[klutz_100]

Originally Posted by Didymus

My plan is to do such a good spray job that I won't need to polish along the rivet rows.

That's the best plan of action I can think of too

TBH, I was not concerned so much about the burn-through issue because, as you say, it's something you have to contend with anyway. I was put in mind of all those molded-in rivets on the side panels of our Lotus 25's....

[Didymus]

Originally Posted by klutz_100

...I was put in mind of all those molded-in rivets on the side panels of our Lotus 25's....

Rivets? There were rivets?

When I drill holes and attach each rivet individually, I'll be a lot more careful to avoid polishing them out or swamping them with paint. I won't attach them until I'm ready to apply the last color coat.

I'm getting them from Tichy Train Group, BTW. http://www.tichytraingroup.com/index...ivets&offset=0

They have a good variety of styrene nuts, bolts, washers and rivets at very reasonable prices. Two-hundred rivets will cost only $2.50.

Ddms

[hirofkd]

I have it, but haven't found any suitable application yet.

It's essentially a 3D decal, and the edge of the carrier film will show up just like any water-slide decal (or so I assume). You can trim away as much clear film as possible, but it will take a lot of time if you have to use many rivets. And if you apply rivets individually, it kind of defeats the purpose of having an array of rivets with a uniform interval.

I bought it in hopes of using it on the surface of a few classic Ferrari models, but I'm becoming convinced that this product isn't the right solution.

I might be able to find a different application, like engine or chassis components, but until then, the product will be tucked away in a raw material box.