Frosted windows

[Dave S]

I'd like to put lights in my passenger cars but don't want to get into making interiors for them so my plan is to "frost" the windows so that the light can escape but you can't see in.

I was thinking of some really thin white mylar or similar substance that I could tape over the clear plastic window inserts (like a big translucent window shade) to achieve this effect.

Am I on the right track? What materials in particular should I be looking for, and where could I find it?

Thanks in advance.

 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Simply spray the windows with Valspar Clear Gloss or Valspar Frosting for glass and plastic. If you can't get those you can use Dullcote or Krylon Matte Finish. All will frost (glaze) the glass but it is permanent. For a cheap easily removable solution simply put a single layer of masking tape over the back side of the glass. This will result in a nice yellow glow through the windows.

 

[tomstockton]

Another method to get frosted windows is to use the plastic in milk bottles behind the clear glass. The side of a half-gallon jug yields several flat surfaces, the plastic has an even density and no pattern, and if you ever change your mind and want to detail the inside of the car, you can simply remove the plastic.

I've not tried it, but I imagine that you could omit the regular glass and coat the plastic with a couple of coats of Future floor wax to get that sheen of real glass. Just a thought.

Oh, and did I mention that you most likely have access to all the empty milk cartons you'll ever need -- and at no extra cost? Just rinse them out well when empty.

I suppose I could also point out that you're helping the environment by recycling... ...but that might be a bit of a stretch...

Regards,
Tom Stockton

 

[Dave S]

Both great ideas! Thanks guys.

I especially like the masking tape and the milk jug as both are removable. I did say I didn't want to do the interiors but you know how that goes! Those solutions will keep my options in that area open.

 

[tomstockton]

One other option just came back to my mind... the Scotch tape with the green label. If you burnish it down, it's supposed to be "invisible". But if it isn't rubbed down, it has a nice frosted sheen. And if it's not opaque enough, simply add another layer.

I've learned so much on this forum (and continue to do so!) -- and I enjoy passing along the tips I've learned over the years. It helps to make us all better modelers!

Regards,
Tom

 

[Espeefan]

I use a clear tinted PVC. You can get green and blue (great for domes) and a smoke color (kind of brownish gray) that is my favorite. Go to the local paint store or the paint department at your home improvement store and pick up some light green and gray sample cards and cut these into window shades. Install them at varying states of closure. You won't be able to notice that the car has no interior (unless you get your nose to the car body) and it will look more realistic (IMO).

 

[weekendrailroader]

I've found (by accident) that using a little CA near plastic windows will leave a frosty-looking residue on the windows. It'll wipe right off if you need it gone, but if you leave it be, it leaves a grey-ish frost on the window surface.

 

[Dave S]

Even more great ideas. Thanks again Fellas!

 

[tomstockton]

weekendrailroader and all,

From what little CA I've used around clear plastic, I've never been able to wipe the residue off. I've either had to live with it or buy replacements -- and I didn't care for either choice. Now I use either Elmer's White Glue, or a glue made for model aircraft canopies (whose name escapes me at the moment).

But, as in almost everything -- Your mileage may vary.

Regards,
Tom Stockton

 

[Espeefan]

weekendrailroader and all,

From what little CA I've used around clear plastic, I've never been able to wipe the residue off. I've either had to live with it or buy replacements -- and I didn't care for either choice. Now I use either Elmer's White Glue, or a glue made for model aircraft canopies (whose name escapes me at the moment).

But, as in almost everything -- Your mileage may vary.

Regards,
Tom Stockton

Testors Canopy Glue. Microscale Krystal Kleer works too!