A step-by-step guide to making curved car windows in 1:160, 1:120, 1:220 & 1:87!
Curved windscreens for model cars can be made realistically in three steps: masking the window opening with tape, coating the tape with Microscale Kristal Klear (MKK) and finally letting it dry and finishing it with water. For this method you only need MKK, a toothpick and some masking tape.
In this part of our How-To series I show you how to make realistic, curved windscreens for cars. Especially on cars the windows are often large and clearly visible, so it pays to spend a little extra time here.
For this method you only need Microscale Kristal Klear (MKK), a toothpick and some masking tape. With some practice the whole process only takes a few minutes.
Masking the window: preparing the shape of the window with tape!
First we mask the windscreen from the outside with masking tape. The tape forms the shape of the future window. When you then look at the vehicle from the inside, the whole window opening should be closed off by the tape.
The same method also works for the rear window. Press the tape firmly up to the edges of the window so no gaps remain. Smaller side windows are usually easier to make with the normal MKK method from part 3.
Coating the tape with MKK: apply evenly into the corners!
Once the tape is in place, take a toothpick and put some Microscale Kristal Klear on the tip.
Now apply the MKK from the inside of the vehicle onto the visible tape. Spread it evenly until the whole window area is covered. Pay special attention to filling the corners completely.
Drying and finishing: removing the dull look with water!
Now it's a matter of waiting until the MKK has dried completely. Depending on the thickness of the layer, this can take several hours.
After drying, the window often looks a little dull or hazy at first. This is completely normal and comes from the texture of the tape, which has transferred onto the MKK.
This is very easy to fix. Lightly moisten the surface of the window with a little clean water. The top layer of MKK briefly softens again and can then dry smooth and clear.
And that's it!
This Opel Omega now has a realistic windscreen through which you can even see the figurines inside. Have fun building models and see you in the next How-To!
For this How-To series we use a model from our Bundeswehr series in 1:160 scale: the MAN KAT1A1 Patriot. Our own decals in 1:160 & 1:120 are ideal for finishing your models.
Kevin Boogaard
Founder of Panzer-ShopNL
