Space Station Project Query

Cobra · September 22, 2012, 09:21:45 PM

Hey Guys, I'm planning a Project. some Background:i was inspired while looking around at my Local Hometown variety Store, i Spotted some Styrofoam Rings,and Have Decided to Build a Space Station Swag Lamp! I was Inspired by some of the Space Station Designs from the 50's and Sixties,can Anyone point me to a Good source for finding out What would and Wouldn't Work for Painting the Station & What i Could Use to make the Top of the Station? FYI, i plan to make 3 Tiered Space Station and was Thinking of Painting it like it was Just Completed! What Say You? Thanks for looking. Dan

Hobbes · September 23, 2012, 12:12:38 PM

You'll have to apply putty or a base coat to the styrofoam to get a smooth surface, make sure to try on some scrap material first because most paint will attack styrofoam. You may have to use acrylics.

Geoff · September 23, 2012, 12:15:05 PM

Sounds like an interesting project.

If you do use filler, try it on a small bit first some disolve certain plastics. OK the Revell one does anyway.

Weaver · September 23, 2012, 12:50:48 PM

IIRC, there's a special spray primer you can get for styrofoam: probably pretty expensive, but at least you know it's safe.

The other thing you could try is spraying them with dilute PVA to seal them then paint them with water-based paints.

Cobra · September 23, 2012, 12:51:23 PM

my plan is to use acrylic paint, any Suggesstions as to Color? would any of you know if Elmer's Glue All would work for the Project? planning to use Wood Dowels to mate the 3 Pieces.Dan

Weaver · September 23, 2012, 12:55:12 PM

Well if you're going for a classic 1950s look, I'd suggest either white or silver.

I'd had the same thought myself looking at those rings in a hobby shop, so I'd be very interested to see how you get on with this.

Geoff · September 23, 2012, 03:30:41 PM

white

Cobra · September 23, 2012, 11:15:41 PM

Thanks for the Input,Guys. I'll try to get to it,ASAP! Don't have a Photobucket Account,so if Someone wants to PM me,I'll send pics to be Posted as Soon as i can. Might go a Bit Cheeky with the Name

Dan

Hobbes · September 24, 2012, 01:16:54 AM

Photobucket accounts are free...

Dizzyfugu · September 24, 2012, 01:54:33 AM

As already mentioned, only use water-based paint on the Styrofoam, and a basic coat of acryllic primer won't hurt.

For a retro-look I'd recommend aluminum tape as a surface cover - you should find it in DIY stores, and shoudl be perfect for your project: one side is self-adhesive, with a strong glue, the other is pure and sheen aluminum. The stuff is thin, but not as flimsy as kitchen foil, so that the surface does not crumble easily. You can cut out pieces and use them as panels on the Styrofoam, should look very convincing! Depending on your scale you can punch holes into the surface for windows, and also engrave details with a steel needle or roller pen tip.