Hi folks,
I got a PM asking me how to use floor wax to polish up the rockets. Specifically:
Tell me more about using Future, please!
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If you have the time I would love to learn exactly how to use a floor wax to clear coat my rockets. Thank you for your time.
Well, that's polite! So I replied that I'd do it publicly so that people that know more than me and have had different experiences can pipe in.
I know there are plenty of threads searchable, but I'll put in my 2 cents and let others add to it if they like.
Step 1: Search this forum for "Future" and read up! :wink: Everything I know, I learned from this forum.
Step 2: Acquire some "Future" floor wax now commonly sold as "Pledge with Future shine." It's this stuff.
Step 2b. While you are there, get some Simple Green cleaner. I use this one.
Step 3. Build and paint your rocket as normal. Apply decals, either waterslide or stick-on vinyl, as per instructions. Note, there's no need for a clear coat either under or over the decals (though, I like to use clear coats, more on that later).
Step 4. When decals are dry (if waterslide), make sure you have some masking tape around the nose cone shoulder and set it fairly loosely on the rocket. Future will wick in and glue the NC to the body tube if you aren't careful.
Step 5. I set the rocket either on a canvas tarp in my basement, or in the garage suspended on a stick through the motor mount. The acrylic polish makes a mess, have something to absorb the overspray/drips.
Step 6. Get a hand pump sprayer (like the one the Simple green comes in, or from Target for $1). In it, either pour straight Future (Pledge with Future Shine) or a mix of 3-4 parts Future to one part Simple Green. I get a better gloss with the Simple Green mix.
Step 7. Spray the rocket to saturation, totally wet and dripping, let it drip off. No worries about any bubbles. They will pop/level on their own. My sprayer results in a veritable foam; in 30 minutes that will all be gone.
Step 8. After 5 minutes I come back and use a paper towel to blot off any drips at the bottom edges (but stay away from the rest of the rocket).
Step 9. Come back tomorrow. Glossy rocket. Carefully take out the nose cone and unmask the shoulder.
Step 10. Despite advice to the contrary, I sometimes do a repeat application finding in some cases it improves the gloss. I guess this should have come before unmasking the NC.
I'll write a bit more about my experiences with clear coats later.
Marc
I got a PM asking me how to use floor wax to polish up the rockets. Specifically:
Tell me more about using Future, please!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you have the time I would love to learn exactly how to use a floor wax to clear coat my rockets. Thank you for your time.
Well, that's polite! So I replied that I'd do it publicly so that people that know more than me and have had different experiences can pipe in.
I know there are plenty of threads searchable, but I'll put in my 2 cents and let others add to it if they like.
Step 1: Search this forum for "Future" and read up! :wink: Everything I know, I learned from this forum.
Step 2: Acquire some "Future" floor wax now commonly sold as "Pledge with Future shine." It's this stuff.
Step 2b. While you are there, get some Simple Green cleaner. I use this one.
Step 3. Build and paint your rocket as normal. Apply decals, either waterslide or stick-on vinyl, as per instructions. Note, there's no need for a clear coat either under or over the decals (though, I like to use clear coats, more on that later).
Step 4. When decals are dry (if waterslide), make sure you have some masking tape around the nose cone shoulder and set it fairly loosely on the rocket. Future will wick in and glue the NC to the body tube if you aren't careful.
Step 5. I set the rocket either on a canvas tarp in my basement, or in the garage suspended on a stick through the motor mount. The acrylic polish makes a mess, have something to absorb the overspray/drips.
Step 6. Get a hand pump sprayer (like the one the Simple green comes in, or from Target for $1). In it, either pour straight Future (Pledge with Future Shine) or a mix of 3-4 parts Future to one part Simple Green. I get a better gloss with the Simple Green mix.
Step 7. Spray the rocket to saturation, totally wet and dripping, let it drip off. No worries about any bubbles. They will pop/level on their own. My sprayer results in a veritable foam; in 30 minutes that will all be gone.
Step 8. After 5 minutes I come back and use a paper towel to blot off any drips at the bottom edges (but stay away from the rest of the rocket).
Step 9. Come back tomorrow. Glossy rocket. Carefully take out the nose cone and unmask the shoulder.
Step 10. Despite advice to the contrary, I sometimes do a repeat application finding in some cases it improves the gloss. I guess this should have come before unmasking the NC.
I'll write a bit more about my experiences with clear coats later.
Marc
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