Try this; works for me:
- Dip the whole thing in Future (or any acrylic floor polish); shake off the excess; and put it under a bowl or in a box to dry for a few days. Ensure the polish is fully cured. (The cover keeps the dust off the wet surface.)
- When you're ready to work with the part, fill it with modeling clay- be careful not to deform the shape.
- Mask the canopy then cut out the framing leaving the clear portion covered. Paint the whole thing, usually black, now you can see the details and where to cut off the flash. The tape will protect the clear portion from filling and sanding.
- Now you have a solid shape with defined details you can cut, sand, and work without distorting or dimpling the canopy.
- After you have cut out the part and you're ready to attach the canopy, remove the clay. Since you protected the plastic with floor polish, any residue will wipe right off with a soft cloth and polish up to crystal shine.
- I use white glue to attach it. It takes a while to set, but won't frost the clear part and can be very easily sanded .
HTH! RJ Tucker Charleston, SC, USA
What is the best way to cut out vacuum canopies? I have heard that filling
> them with plaster of Paris is a good way to go. If so would you treat with
> Future before or after cutting it out and do you need a mold release to
> separate the plaster? Thanks, Pete
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