How to deal with seams inside jet aircraft air intakes

[BPC]

Can anyone help me with those visible seams inside air intakes. I was going to feel them cyano and talc, but it will be a bit of a job trying to sand it, and then re spray it. I have defo seen something on the forum about adding styrene sheet inside. Any advice welcome.

[chief5437]

They can be a pain to sand! I use Vallejo filler as it's quite easy to sand and with a thin sanding stick it's a little easier. Another thing I heard of but haven't tried yet, is to run some unthinned paint down the seam. You should be able to 'swirl' it around and get a good finish. Sounds good in theory, but like I say, I've yet to try it.

[BPC]

Thanks Chief, I will give the Vallejo a try.

[chief5437]

Thanks Chief, I will give the Vallejo a try.

Just remembered, when you put your Vallejo filler on, you can get a good start by wiping it with a damp cotton bud. Sometimes there's no need to sand. I does shrink a little when dry, so you may need a couple of applications. HTH

[Spook]

I've only just come across your post but something else you can try is emulsion just tape up one end pour in pour out.

[BPC]

Cracking idea, thanks Spook.

[digger303]

If you use deluxe materials PERFECT PLASTIC putty then you can use a wet (water)brush to smooth. May have to apply twice depending on the gap.

[BPC]

Tried the emulsion paint technique, works a treat, bit messy, and takes a few days to dry, but a good result. Cheers Spook.

Before


After

[digger303]

I've only just come across your post but something else you can try is emulsion just tape up one end pour in pour out.

what is this emulsion. Is it undiluted paint or something else

[BPC]

White silk emulsion undiluted.

[digger303]

does look polished and molded like one piece....best solution by the looks

[BPC]

Just to note, white emulsion paint sorted the seam lines, looked good when first done, however after three days of drying, the finish was not as smooth as would have liked
. This may have been due to the quality of the paint, few years old. On a plus side, the intakes looked rather worn

[Spook]

I'm glad it worked for you pal,sorry I forgot to mention its abit messy

[Vleugelmoer]

The end result is nice enough BPC, would have taken a bit different approach myself in this instance. Looking at that gap I would have opted for something like a Mr. Dissolved putty or recycled prue in Tamiya extra thin to fill the gap. Apply liberally to the offending area. Remove any excess with a damp round generic cotton bud (acetone would be my liquide of choice here). once dry I would give it a thin layer of primer. Any remnance of the gap repeat if it was big enough or go Vallejo and damp cotton bud or water brush with water and paint with brush to get the smallest imperfections out with an immersion paint job if needed. This wil give you a more solid bond and smoother surface. It would also reduce the drying time required if you ask me. Waiting on paint to dry is like watching hair grow for me, and would therefor like to keep the pace up.

[MAZ62]

Will need to give this a try. Good tip.