How to tint model airplane canopies
by Andy
(San Diego, CA)
Household items needed for tinting canopy
What is the best way to window tint a military aircraft canopy? I've tried the black transparent window tint from Model Master and the canopy gets an uneven, almost blotchy, look to it. Are there better products for this?
SMH Responds Dye works great if you give it time to work and check it often.
Rit dye, available at any fabric store, walmart, or grocery store. more.
Just makes sure you don't melt the canopy...
Like any other coloring process be sure to clean the canopy of mold release, fingerprints etc.
Even though we're talking about small parts you will want to mix up a gallon of dye to keep the ratio correct. Read instructions for proper size container.
The package instructions say you need to use boiling water and salt...ignore them.Those instructions are for dyeing fabrics and don't apply to what you are doing.
SHAKE THE BOTTLE OF DYE VIGOROUSLY before opening.
Put a 2 gallon bucket in a deep sink...I have an old two compartment wash sink in the basement that works great for this...
If the hot water from your tap is good and hot (uncomfortable to keep your hand in for more than a few seconds) put about 1 gallon of water in one of the 2 gallon buckets.open the bottle of dye OVER THE BUCKET and empty it into the water.Slowly refill the bottle about half way ,recap and shake it and empty that into the bucket as well.ADD THE DYE TO THE WATER...it reduces splashing and extra messes.
IF the water from your tap isn't hot enough boil about 1-1/2 gallons of water before putting it into bucket.then add the dye.
Stir the dye/water mix thoroughly.
DYEING YOUR PARTS
Drop the parts in it's that easy. Stir the dye from time to time to prevent settling or layering of the dye.If you hang your parts from a string or wire it makes extracting them to check the colors much easier.Check the progress every 5-20 minutes depending on what you are trying to dye and how dark you want it.Some materials such as urethane take color quickly others like Polycarbonates either won't take dye or take a long time.
Once the desired shade/color is reached pull the parts out and thoroughly rinse them with clear COLD water. Once they are rinsed,washed and dried you can start assembly.
