A step-by-step guide to making vehicle windows in 1:160, 1:120, 1:220 & 1:87!
With Microscale Kristal Klear (MKK) you can make realistic windows in three steps: filling the side windows, applying the larger windscreen and then letting everything dry properly. With a little practice the whole process only takes a few minutes per model.
Hello everyone and welcome to the next step of painting models!
This time it's all about making the windows with Microscale Kristal Klear, MKK for short. With some practice this step usually only takes a few minutes. That is why this How-To is a bit shorter.
Making side windows: applying Microscale Kristal Klear!
We start with the small side windows. Pick up some Microscale Kristal Klear on the tip of a toothpick. Then carefully guide the drop into the window opening and move it lightly along the edges, so the MKK sticks well all around.
When you pull the toothpick back out, a thin white film forms over the window opening. Don't worry, as it dries the MKK becomes completely transparent and forms a clear window.
On some vehicles certain windows are hard to reach from the outside, for example when mirrors or other parts are in the way. In those cases you can easily make the windows from the inside through the windscreen.
If some MKK ends up where it doesn't belong, simply remove it with the dry side of the toothpick.
Making the windscreen: closing larger window openings with MKK!
Next comes the windscreen. This step is a little harder, as the window opening is much larger than for the side windows.
First we pick up a small amount of Microscale Kristal Klear on the tip of the toothpick and wet the edges of the window opening with it. Then we pick up a larger drop of MKK and carefully draw it with the toothpick from one side of the windscreen to the other.
If the film doesn't close completely, simply add a little more MKK and repeat. With some practice you will quickly find out how much you need for each window size.
Finally, any unevenness or excess material can be carefully corrected with the dry side of the toothpick. After that the MKK only needs to dry and the window becomes transparent.
Letting the windows dry: placing the model correctly for a smooth result!
Depending on how much Microscale Kristal Klear you used, drying can take a while. For the best result I recommend laying the model front side down while it dries.
Because MKK starts out as a liquid, it tends to curve slightly inwards. When the model lies front side down, gravity helps pull the window outwards. This gives a nice smooth and even window once dry.
Important: do not spray the model with the airbrush after the windows have been made with Microscale Kristal Klear. Clear varnish on the MKK makes the windows dull and milky, and that effect will not go away. So finish all varnishing before making the windows.
And that's it!
Once you have done it a few times, making the windows usually takes no more than two minutes. Another advantage is that you only need very little Microscale Kristal Klear, so one bottle lasts for a large number of models.
If you want to use windscreens or other windows cut from clear plastic, Microscale Kristal Klear also works very well as a glue. Because it dries clear and still sticks well, it is ideal for gluing in clear plastic windows.
I hope this How-To was useful. Good luck with your own projects and hopefully 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
