I have been building models for 25 or so years and Bare-Metal foil is something I just discovered in the last 5 or 6. It is one of the easiest, Cheapest and Simple ways to add that extra detail to any Model. The first thing I would like to do is list the basic tools and then The Do's and Dont's of Appying.

Tools: Tweezers, Cotton Swabs or the small Make-up Applicators used for eye shadow, an X-acto Knife With #11 Blades, some toothpicks' a ruler and Latex Gloves (Optional).I hate having to wipe a buch of Finger Prints off of my model so I use powder free Latex gloves.

Once you have purchased you foil which come in Gold, Black, Aluminum, Chrome, Brite Chrome, and Copper inspect both edges of the foil. I have found on several that I purchased that about 1/16 of an ich or so on both sides will need to be trimmed of and thrown away. The glue long the edges does not set right all the time. On the Aluminum and Chrome You will want to look for What look,s like small Hair line cracks across the whole surface. These 2 colors are real thin and any sign of a crack will more than likly tear when trying to pill it from the backing. If you should recive either of these 2 colors and the whole surface area has small cracks across the entire area contact the seller you purchased it from. I have received a few like this and they can not be used.

Once you have inspect your foil your ready to apply. First decide were you want to apply and measure it, then use your ruler to measure your foil. Once you have done this find something with a fairly straight edge and with very little pressure run you #11 X-acto Knife down the edge. MAKE SURE IT IS A BRAND NEW BLADE. If the tip is broke or it is dull it will tear the foil or leave a rough edge.

Now use the tip of you knife to raise one end the the strip you cut just enough to get a hold of it with you tweezers. All of the color have a tendance to curl as soon as you peel them from the backing so you will want to try and hold the end down that you are not pulling up with your tweezers. Once you have removed it from the backing you are now ready to apply it to the model.

When working with flat or straight areas I try and cut my foil so that it is about 3 times the width of the area I am trying to cover. If working with widows extra foil can be wrapped under the model body and paint to match the intierior color. On marker lights extra can always bee trimmed off. If working around windows that have a curve to them you will want to cut it alot wider.

Take your stripp and gently press the free end down and make sure it is straight. Once you have it straight gently work you way to the other end. Once you have it fairly smooth take your cotton swabs and slowly rub it down. When doing this make sure you do not press real hard because if you should slip off the foil you won't damage you paint. Once you have rubbed it down you are ready to trim.

PATIENCE!!! If you are trimming around windows or marker light figure out were you want to start and gently set the tip of your NEW #11 X-acto blade alone the raised surface and slowly move it along. I try and direct my pressure towards the area being foiled so that if my knife slips I do not damage my paint job. If you damage the foil you can always peel it off and start over. Once you have made your cuts you will want to remove the excess foil. To do this gently work on edge of the foil to be removed up just enough to get you tweezers on it and peel.

If you are wanting to use foil as a stripe you will want to cut out your pattern on the backing and then apply. If you try and cut it out on the model you could damage the paint.

A LITTLE NOTE ON APPLYING THE BLACK AND GOLD.  When applying these 2 colors make sure you do not rubb to hard. I have found that the color will sometimes rub off and expose the silver under the black and gold. Also the Black foil is a lot stiffer than any of the othe colors and it does curl real bad when removing it fro the back. You will want to be extra carefull when working with it, 

I hope that this info is helpfull and if you should ever have any Questions please feel free to contact me.

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