DIY: 'Covering' Up Your Models

When you see something covered up...do you wonder what's underneath it?  

Your eyes are drawn to it like a magnet. You can see just a little bit of a glimpse showing from under the cover... it makes you want to see more...and more!

GreenLight Quaker State 1965 Chevy C10 Styleside Pick Up Truck - #12874

After reading an interesting article in Die Cast X Magazine about how to make a realistic car cover for a miniature...it got me thinking. How hard would it be to make a cover for a model?  Really it was pretty simple...

First, you need to get your supplies:

• Model of your choice
• Plastic Wrap
• 2-3 Paper Shop Towels (Color of your choice)
• White Glue
• Plastic Bowl
• Food Coloring (optional) 
• Plastic gloves (unless you don't mind having colored fingers from the food coloring)

Next you need to prep your model.  Wrap your model completely with plastic wrap.  Also cover your work surface with the plastic wrap. 

TIP:  Make sure the plastic wrap is as smooth as possible for it will help the finished cover to lay closer to the model. As you can see by the picture, the plastic wrap could have been a little smoother, but it did protect the model nicely. 

Then you need to make the glue mixture.  In a bowl, mix a fifty-fifty mix of white glue and water.  If you are using white paper shop towels but want them colored, then put in the food coloring of your choice until you have the desired color. 

Immerse the paper towels into the glue mixture until completely wet. Now place the glue soaked towels over the plastic wrapped model. 

Now, the fun begins!  Get creative and make all kinds of folds and creases...drape it however you want it to look.  You can cover the full model, or show a little bit to intrigue the onlooker. 

TIP: Wear Plastic Gloves...especially if you are using food coloring. Speaking from experience, I gave a whole new meaning to a "Green Thumb".   Also make sure and put plastic wrap under your model, even if you use a box...it will keep the cover from taking the color of the box. 

After you have all of the shaping and positioning of the towels completed, all you have to do now is WAIT!  It will take at least 24 hours...or more depending on the saturation of the paper towels.   

TIP:  Remember to have the plastic wrap under your project so it is easier to get your cover off your work surface when it is dry. 

When completely dry...unwrap the plastic wrap from your model and it is ready to be showcased.  Now you can pose your model with or without your NEW realistic cover. 

This would be terrific to use on a model in a Train Layout ...Oh, what about using it in an old barn or garage?

We have some awesome train scale models..including O Scale, S Scale,  HO Scale...and so much more.

What about covering an antique car?

1950 Plymouth Sedan in Mexico Red 

CMW #30328 - 1/87 Scale (HO Scale)

Or... what about covering your farming equipment?

John Deere Heritage Tractor - 4-Piece Set 
Ertl  #37743-SET - 1/64 Scale (S Scale)

Don't forget our Scratch & Dent section on our website...

WOW!... These would be nice for a project just like this!

Do you have any tips you have learned doing this project? Ideas? Thoughts?