Tips for using the metal foil adhesive from Microscale

We are please to introduce a great article written by Ken Friend. Ken demonstrates how you can create realistic looking metal parts that are bubble-free using aluminum foil and Microscale "Micro Metal Foil Adhesive".  

ARTICLE BY KEN FRIEND     

I have found that bubbles can form under the foil as a result of the mold release solution & the foil adhesive interaction. The model I had problems with is a 1/32 scale F-82 that has a lot of scratch built parts. I have used several different vendor's silicon molding compound, resin, and mold release, however, I have not found any correlation to any one vendor. If bubbling under the foil appears it is usually occurs after only a couple of days.
 
On the model I am working on there will be variations in the color and sheen of the foiled panels. To achieve this I use different toothpastes to polish/dull the surface. The panels that I have rubbed more vigorously seem to bubble more than ones I have lightly polished. I think the heavy rubbing and scratching of the toothpaste is actually expanding the surface of the foil ever so slightly and causing it to spring away from the adhesive after a couple days. I can get the same effect if I sand a piece of foil with 600 grit wet or dry sandpaper; the foil curves to the sanded side.
 
Here is an image that shows the reaction between the mold release and adhesive. I couldn't get a picture of the initial reaction; it was simply too violent and quick. The image is after about 10 seconds:

My solution to this unwanted reaction is; After I make the resin parts that contain mold release residue, I will clean the parts extensively with dish washing soap and warm water, then follow that with isopropyl alcohol to eliminate the release agent. I then let them dry for at least a day,

In my next step, I apply a very thin coat of filler to the resin pieces and sand that smooth before I apply the foil with the adhesive. So far, so good. After much more vigorous sanding and cleaning, it appears the problem has been solved. I think it was really a combination of factors.   

By using the Microscale-Micro Metal Foil Adhesive properly, your project will turn out beautifully. You can see from the example shown below that with a little better understanding of the chemical reactions that are going on, you can overcome this unwanted affect as you apply the foil
 finish.