Canopies and Clear Parts
with Geoff Coughlin
What I’d like to show you is how I used the Ultimate Modelling Products 4-Part polishing compounds to improve the clarity of the canopy included in my old Revell 1:32 F4U-1A Corsair.
It’s important to be clear that I vary my approach depending on how much prep is needed so, for example, if the clear part you are going to polish has some nicks and imperfections then you’ll need to do some sanding and buffing using the various sticks and products available for that sort of task.
Note too, that this UMP 4-part system comes into its own for car modellers and those looking to create brilliant, clear shiny finishes with depth. If that’s what you’re after, then take a look at the UMP website and on You Tube where the manufacturer shows how to do this well.
Let’s have a look at the UMP package – VIDEO
As you can see, you can also buy the purple cloths direct from UMP or simply get your own – just make sure that they are good quality – I use a couple designed for polishing antiques.
Back to canopies…
Let’s assume that you have got your part to the stage where you now want to improve the clarity, having done the necessary preparation.
So what do you need?
• UMP 4-part Polishing kit
• a couple of good quality soft cloths that won’t scratch your clear parts
• some cotton buds
• small reservoir of clean water.
Step 1 Apply Compound No.1
You can do this like I am doing here straight from the tub – just add a small amount to a cotton bud and gently work it into the section of canopy you want to polish. You can wet the cotton bud first if you like, although I haven’t in the video. the water can provide a slight buffer and help to apply the compound more easily – your choice.
Step 2 Remove the compound with a corner of your soft cloth or the purple UMP cloth provided.
Step 3 Apply Polish No.2 In exactly the same way as above using a new cotton bud
Step 4 Remove the polish with a clean soft cloth
Step 5 Check for any imperfections and repeat steps 1-4 as appropriate
Step 6 Apply Wax No.3 using a new cotton bud or section of soft cloth
Step 7 Remove the wax with a new section of soft cloth
Step 8 Spray a small amount of Shine No.4 onto the canopy or onto another section of clean soft cloth and work into the canopy
Step 9 Buff up your canopy with a section of clean very soft cloth.
Step 10 Stand back and be impressed with the depth of shine you have created!
(Make sure you use high quality soft polishing cloths for buffing (and application if you want to use them instead of cotton buds)
That’s it really… Good luck!
Geoff C.