Profil 0,25 x 4,8 mm

A foil strip 0.25 x 4.8 mm

A quarter of a millimeter of thickness and almost five millimeters of width — this profile behaves more like flexible strip stock than like a rod. It suits metal covers over seams, lapped skin joints, patches and everywhere a new layer must not show as a step. White polystyrene, length 35 cm, one strip per item.

A thin part and the thickness of the coat

On material this fine the result is decided by the amount of paint. A coat laid on with a brush is itself hundredths of a millimeter thick, so two unnecessary coats on a quarter-millimeter strip raise its thickness noticeably and the step you were trying to hide comes back.

Spray and airbrush are therefore a better choice than a brush, even at the price of longer preparation. The same logic applies to filling. Thin putty laid on in a thin layer levels the transition; thick putty emphasizes it. Care is in order with solvent cement too: a thin strip is saturated right through by it and will ripple when pressed down. It is better to put the cement on the base and simply lay the strip into it.

• Apply the paint by spraying, not in heavy strokes.
• Dose the cement onto the base, not onto the strip.
• Level the excess with thin putty and a fine sanding pass.
• Let the finished cover cure overnight.

Sharp scissors are enough for cutting; the cut is clean and the edge does not crumble.

It is best stored flat between two boards. A rippled strip can only be straightened by warming it and on material that thin that changes the dimension. Flat material is half the success of any plating job.