Quick Tip 4: Seam Lines on Bodywork

If you’re a car or bike modeller, you’ll know that it can be a pain to completely remove seam lines from slide-moulded bodywork.

In white plastic especially, some of the smaller lines are easily overlooked, never mind removed thoroughly with only a perfect surface left behind.

Taking a tip from a car modelling video on YouTube, I always begin the cleanup process not with sanding pads but with a Sharpie. This makes the seam unmissable and helps to indicate when the removal process is finished.

(1) I draw a fine-tipped marker pen carefully along every seam line, making sure to press firmly enough to mark the area immediately either side of the seam.

(2) Then I go through the sanding steps on one seam at a time, applying just enough pressure to remove it, until no trace of the ink remains. Any trace of ink left over indicates where the seam — or a sanding scuff — still needs attention.

(3) Finally, I polish the bodywork as needed.

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