foiling vs hvac tape

[andyteal]

I'm wondering if any one has used this hvac tape and used real bmf. I used some if the hvac tape and it worked OK but doing curved edges was tuff and cutting the tape was a little difficult to it made it hard to get a clean strait cut any info and tips will be appreciated thanks again

[Jantrix]

The hvac tape is just way too thick. I only use it to back red tail light lenses.

[Tom Geiger]

It seems this question pops up about once a week here. There is no substitute to Bare Metal Foil IF you are trying to build a nice clean model. At $8 a sheet, you can get 3-4 cars. Isn't it worth $2 to have perfect trim?

[High octane]

I've used the HVAC tape many times when I was working, and pipe coverers or frost insulators use this tape all the time on construction jobs, It is simply too thick to use on model cars.

[Randytheroadrunner]

That's funny, I've been using alumachrome for years and I don't have any problems.

Edited April 11, 2014 by Randytheroadrunner

[Jantrix]

Alumachrome? Can you be more specific?

[andyteal]

That's what I was thinking to its to thick it wasn't about saving money just wanted to try it out I live in a small town with only a hardware store so I just tried it out but I know now I wont be using it again thanks for the quick response

[Tom Geiger]

The beauty of Bare Metal Foil is that it cuts evenly and perfectly with no to little pressure. I tell folks just to run your eXacto knife along the line, as if you were tracing it with a pencil. That's enough to cut it. And that saves you from digging down into the paint, or forbid, you slip and gouge the body. I can see that happening as you try to cut through thicker stuff.

As far as availability, you can always buy BMF through the mail or whenever you get to a decent hobby shop or a model show. A lot of hobby shops don't even stock it. Rich Manson mentions that he will grab a few sheets at NNL East each year. I don't have a decent shop near me either, but I go to NJ (about 2 hr ride) once a month for my club meeting. I hit the hobby shop there when I need stuff.

Edited April 11, 2014 by Tom Geiger

[BirdWatcher]

I love using the Foil tape from harbor freight when I'm sanding something and want to preserve a panel line or edge, but i find it difficult to get it to conform to complex shapes as the glue is very tacky. Cutting isn't a problem, as I'll usually sharpen a brand new blade before I BMF anyway.

[Harry P.]

Please post QUESTIONS in the Q&A section. not in the Tips section.