Seamlines. How much time do you spend to make them disappear?

[aerofan]

If you care about making your kit without any visual seamlines, how much time do you spend to make them disappear? I'm asking because I 'm working on a kit that when I spray a grey primer on I can see where the seam is eventhough I have filled, if needed, and sanded the seam down. The kits also has a fit issue that took some time to correct but the area can still be seen. However some people won't notice it but everytime I keep looking at the areas I see a slight bump or dip when I rotate/angle the kit in way so the light hits it right for me to see. Maybe it because I know where to look but I'm wondering if someone, ie an IPMS judge, would see it since they may not know where the seam line is. Any input would be helpful since I fear I'm getting too knit-picky about this.

[kerick]

If you had a photo it would be easier to tell if it's that big a problem.  Personally I can't stand seeing an actual seam on a model because it just blows the illusion of the model looking real.  My problem is sometimes the paint looks different on the filler I use compared to the plastic.  Sounds like you may have over sanded a little.
How much time to take? Enough time that you are happy and is still fun to build. Being super picky means it can turn into work instead of fun.

[NARSES2]

My problem is sometimes the paint looks different on the filler I use compared to the plastic. 

How much time to take? Enough time that you are happy and is still fun to build. Being super picky means it can turn into work instead of fun.

Have to agree with both those staements. Quite often I'm happy with a seam then apply paint and bingo, it's there again 

[The Rat]

When I'm working on them, it seems as if I'm taking too much time. When it's finished, it always looks as if I didn't take enough. 

[pyro-manic]

I'd say if it's bothering you, then you need to deal with it - you're the one who needs to be happy with the finished result!

Personally, the major seams (ie fuselage halves, wing roots, etc) I spend a fair bit of time on, to make sure they're invisible. Doesn't always work (see the above comments!), but I do my best. Other joints, in less visible places, might get less attention.

It also depends on the finish - a natural metal or glossy single colour will show up the flaws very easily, whereas a grungy camouflage scheme with dirt and dust will hide many problems very effectively. Of course, sometimes this works the other way for me - a particularly ill-fitting kit or stubborn joint may mean my planned shiny display machine ends up very battered and weary!

[Father Ennis]

Just my 2 cents, I true the edges of parts before I glue. I usually, remove the locating pins,then I use a sanding sheet to true up the mating edges. (Sanding Sheet - a sheet of sand paper glued to a sheet of plexiglass)  This produces a good join and with generous use of liquid glue a fine raised edge. Clean this up once its cured and you should have no visible seam when your done .   I started doing this when I got into japanese anime kits with lots of moveable joints.  I like to have them all working so I can adjust it to the pose I want. It really is simple quick and easy and produces great results and is simple to clean up,too.  Hope this is a help...

[ChernayaAkula]

I'd say if it's bothering you, then you need to deal with it - you're the one who needs to be happy with the finished result!  <...>

This! 

[aerofan]

..... Quite often I'm happy with a seam then apply paint and bingo, it's there again 

When I'm working on them, it seems as if I'm taking too much time. When it's finished, it always looks as if I didn't take enough. 

I seem to have the same problems as to both statements.

Thanks for you replies. This is not a big seamline problem that will show up on a digital photo but would show up under scrutiny of say a judge. As much as I'd like to have it completed soon, I think I will spend a little more time but not so much that it'll take the fun way from this build.

[Captain Canada]

I don't !

[Weaver]

The real bugger is when you spend ages making a joint line invisible, then discover that he real thing has a clearly visible panel line in exactly the same place....

[ChrisF]

The real bugger is when you spend ages making a joint line invisible, then discover that he real thing has a clearly visible panel line in exactly the same place....

BEEN THERE !! A certain Bf109 comes to mind... :/

[jcf]

Just my 2 cents, I true the edges of parts before I glue. I usually, remove the locating pins,then I use a sanding sheet to true up the mating edges. (Sanding Sheet - a sheet of sand paper glued to a sheet of plexiglass)  This produces a good join and with generous use of liquid glue a fine raised edge. Clean this up once its cured and you should have no visible seam when your done .   I started doing this when I got into japanese anime kits with lots of moveable joints.  I like to have them all working so I can adjust it to the pose I want. It really is simple quick and easy and produces great results and is simple to clean up,too.  Hope this is a help...

Ditto, I do the same thing and it practically eliminates most seams. Even on very old kits.

[rickshaw]

I usually just scrape a knife blade along the major ones and then when I can't remove any more without it being obvious, I just apply some putty and then sand.  If necessary, I'll then take off and nuke it from orbit if I can't make it disappear!  In the end, it disappears one way or t'other.