Editing Scale model (section)

==Materials==
Models, and their constituent parts, can be built out of a variety of materials, such as:

===Plastic===
This includes [[injection molding|injection molded]] or extruded plastics such as [[polystyrene]], [[acrylonitrile butadiene styrene]] (ABS), [[butyrate]],  and clear acrylic and [[copolyester]] ([[PETG]]). Parts can also be [[casting|cast]] from [[synthetic resin]]s.

===Wood===
[[Pine]] wood is sometimes used; [[balsa wood]], a light wood, is good for flying airplane models.

===Metal===
Aluminum or brass can be used in tubing form, or can be used in flat sheets with [[photoengraving|photo-etched]] surface detail. Model figures used in wargaming can be made of [[white metal]].

===Glue===
Styrene parts are welded together using [[butanone|plastic cement]], which comes both in a thick form to be carefully applied to a bonding surface, or in a thin liquid which is applied into a joint by [[capillary action]] using a brush or syringe needle. [[Ethyl cyanoacrylate]] (ECA) aka "super-glue", or fast-setting [[epoxy]], must be used to bond styrene to other materials.

===Paint===
Glossy colors are generally used for car and commercial truck exteriors. Flat colors are generally desirable for military vehicles, aircraft, and spacecraft. Metallic colors simulate the various metals (silver, gold, aluminum, steel, copper, brass, etc.)

[[Enamel paint]] has classically been used for model making and is generally considered the most durable paint for plastics. It is available in small bottles for brushing and [[airbrushing]], and [[aerosol paint|aerosol spray cans]]. Disadvantages include toxicity and a strong chemical smell of the paint and its mineral spirit [[paint thinner|thinner]]/brush cleaner. Modern enamels are made of [[alkyd resin]] to limit toxicity. Popular brands include [[Testor Corporation|Testor]]'s in the US and [[Humbrol]] (now [[Hornby Railways|Hornby]]) in the UK.

[[Lacquer]] paint produces a hard, durable finish, and requires its own [[lacquer thinner]].

Enamels have been generally replaced in popularity by [[acrylic paint]], which is water-based. Advantages include decreased toxicity and chemical smell, and brushes clean with soap and water. Disadvantages include possibly limited durability on plastic, requiring priming coats, at least two color coats, and allowing adequate cure time. Popular brands include the Japanese import [[Tamiya Corporation|Tamiya]].

Some beginner's level kits avoid the necessity to paint the model by adding [[pigment]]s and [[Chrome plating#Automotive use|chrome plating]] to the plastic.

===Decals===
[[Decal]]s are generally applied to models after painting and assembly, to add details such as lettering, flags, insignia, or other decorations too small to paint. Water transfer (slide-on) decals are generally used, but beginner's kits may use [[dry transfer]] stickers instead.