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Hi, I do not know if this has been asked before, but if I cant get plasticard, what is a good alternative?

I am pretty green at making syuff, I can play with GS a little, but I really want to push thew boat out for the Great Marine Swap. Nothing fancy maybe add to a servo arm or make new axe blades.

So any ideas on what I could use instead of plasticard that would still be quite durable would be appreciated.

Thanks

Dantay

Do you mind telling why you don't want to use plasticard? It's good stuff...

Greystuff is moldeable and holds a firmer shape than green stuff.

Go to the hardware store, ask for the plastic "Beware of dog" signs. Pretty much the same thing, just only comes in only one thickness and has "Beware of dog" printed on it.

Actually, there are 2 thicknesses, 1mm and .5 mm, but yes, they have printing on them. However, you can get a .5mm sign that is about 1foot by 1.5 feet for 99 cents, and a 1mm sign that is 2 feet by 3 feet for about $3. It's a good deal, and you are going to paint over the whole thing eventually, so who cares what is prited on it?

Its not because I do not want to use it. Its just there arent many or any hobby shops near me where i can readily get it from, thats why I am looking at alternatives. Plus I want to get cracking on some stuff for the GMS so folks arent sitting around too long waiting for their mini's.

Besides it might make recycling fun


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Thanks for the suggestions so far, will certainly look into it with the signs

Whether it is the signs or pre-packed from a hobby shop, it seems you guys in the US get the same stuff either way, so you are STILL using plasticard.

(Over here, those signs tend to be made from corrugated plastic board (like cardboard, only a pvc plastic based thing).

Thats fine with me, my issue is sourcing plasticard, so whether what they are describing is another way to get it or a substitute material it makes no odds to me.

Just glad people are pitching up ideas.

I use plastic food packaging there's always some around the house and its free !

Such as plastic takeaway boxes?

I order all my plasticard online and have it delivered. I think there is a thread or article around here that lists sources - but I have used http://www.antenocitisworkshop.com/ and http://cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/ in the past

The only problem with using plastic signs and boxed is that they might not be polystyrene plastic so won't work with your regular plastic cement glue.

Ive used many things. Yard sale signs, credit cards/gift cards, business cards. Sometimes if you ask nicely at retail stores, the cashier will let you just have a small stack of the gift cards for free, or sometimes Ive offered to buy them a pop in exchange. Works pretty good

Thanks for the link Arakasi, lots of good ideas here.

Thanks everyone, credit cards and signs takeaway tubs etc, will primer take to them okay or would it flake off everywhere?

I like using florescent light covers, they have a variety of textures and are fairly thick, here in the states you cna pick one up for about 5-10 bucks and they are pretty large so you get alot of plastic out of it

dantay_xv wrote:, credit cards and signs takeaway tubs etc, will primer take to them okay or would it flake off everywhere?

Cement glue might not stick to them, but super glue works just like on any other material, and I have never had a problem with primer. Sometimes Green Stuff doesn't stick very well, so you just have to rough up the surface...but I find that is true on just about any smooth surface.

Also, if you're looking to save some money, and still get the real thing, I would suggest looking on Ebay.

If you can't find "beware of dog" signs, realize that most of these style signs are made from plasticard (just obviously check it and don't buy a cardboard sign).

I've routienly used "For Sale" signs, the like of which are available at any hardware store, walmart, some Rite Aid/etc. stores.

I just use the printed on side as the inside, and the side that faces out is the blank back. (Even if you paint over the printed on side, there is some relief from their logo/words/signage that can come through)

RSJake wrote:

dantay_xv wrote:, credit cards and signs takeaway tubs etc, will primer take to them okay or would it flake off everywhere?

Cement glue might not stick to them, but super glue works just like on any other material, and I have never had a problem with primer. Sometimes Green Stuff doesn't stick very well, so you just have to rough up the surface...but I find that is true on just about any smooth surface.

Also, if you're looking to save some money, and still get the real thing, I would suggest looking on Ebay.

Correct, plastic glue does NOT stick to these at all, not even in a "WEeeellll itll holdish for now" kind of way. Make sure when ever your bonding these to another surface, or even snig/card to sign/card, always scratch the surfaces your applying glue to so they bond better. You can use a hobby knife or similar, I use a dremel t get the job done fast. Do that, then add the super glue and they will hold REALLY well