VMS HULL TEX (choose model)

A unique solution for creating realistic aggregate based anti-slip textures as seen on modernised variants of M1 Abrams or Merkava tanks. The bundle contains proprietary slow curing, high solids adhesive and high purity sieved texturing material (aggregate). The application process is similar to real life ant-slip creation procedure.

"Standard" type is used to create even aggregate based anti-slip patterns. Standard type reacts with plastic.

"Scattered" type is used to create irregular aggregate based anti-slip patterns. Scattered type doesn't react with plastic and is reversible with VMS Clean Slate.

"Air" Product requires a 0.5 airbrush nozzle and a good compressor (2 piston type with 3 l air tank or better) to deliver constant pressure between 50 and 60 PSI. If you are normally using hi-standard tools for painting purposes we recommend that you dedicate a less expensive airbrush for the purpose of applying anti-slip although with correct nozzle and pressure there are no problems, cleaning the tool is very easy as the liquid texturing material contains no binder

 Please check FAQ to learn the difference between the both types!

Recommended techniques: brush or airbrush

Available volumes: 2 x 20 ml bottles in each bundle

How do I proceed with HULL TEX "Scattered" type?

You spread a film of adhesive just as you do with "Standard type" and sprinkle small amount of aggregate over. Open time is much longer than with "Standard" type - you can manipulate and position the aggregate particles any way you want to using your precision brush. There is no reaction with plastic! You don't swipe excessive aggregate, just shake it off. Leave to dry 1-2h (24h fully cured) when you are happy with the arrangement. Reversible with VMS Clean Slate paint remover. 

How is this better than simple sand and styrene glue technique?

There are numerous reasons:

• First off styrene glue evaporates very quickly. This means you can't create a consistent layer of adhesive. Areas that are covered first will dry up before you are finished applying the glue, which equals “bald patches” in the end. Hull Tex has extended open time meaning you can spread it very well over the target area before applying your aggregate. This equals nice and even aggregate coverage later on.

• Standard styrene glue instantly attacks plastic generating tack – you can't nicely spread it over greater areas without creating brush marks. Hull Tex reacts with plastic too (only standard type) but has delayed reaction time, there is much less tack and no no brush marks.

• Standard styrene glue is basically a pure solvent blend – contains no solids. Hull Tex contains solids – they form a thin film that accepts the aggregate, which means better adhesion and a more durable joint.

• Hull Tex texturing material (aggregate) has its grain size up to scale while even the finest sands you may come across on consumer market are oversized. Hull Tex grain size is below 0.1 mm with average grain size of 0.07 mm!

Can I create cast turret or mantlet textures with HULL TEX?

Yes. To create cast texture please use "Standard" HULL TEX type and follow the above visual guide. HULL TEX allows you to create texture over funnily shaped model parts not just flat panels.  You can sand a layer of HULL TEX later on to introduce variation or imitate factory machining. To soften the texture apply an additional layer of pure adhesive over the previously created texture (you sandwich the aggregate between 2 adhesive layers). You can create very cool and unusual results, go ahead and experiment on an old model, playing with HULL TEX is much fun! 

I have trouble priming the textured model!

Just spray from different angles and you will be all right. Remember every additional coat of paint makes the texture less pronounced but usual 3-4 layers including primer are completely fine. 

I got overeager with the adhesive and aggregate ended up in wrong places. (Standard type)

It's best to remove excessive aggregate while it's still drying - just scrape it gently with your hobby knife. 

What are open times of HULL TEX adhesives?

"Standard" type has short open time of 2-3 minutes (it's still around 15x longer than simple PS glue), this essentially means that you need to spray aggregate over the adhesive film within this time frame - this ensures an even and durable aggregate layer. Scattered type is active up to 1h - you can take it easy while distributing the aggregate. 

I need to remove anti-slip as I don't like the initial result and want to start anew now that I got the hang of it.

You can remove an anti-slip layer using VMS Clean Slate remover. Removing "standard" type will leave the plastic discoloured ("standard" type reacts with polystyrene) but the integrity of it will be intact and surface smooth and OK for painting later. Removing "scattered" type leaves no traces at all. 

Which agent to use to clean brushes?

You can use VMS Cleans Slate paint remover or VMS Styrene Cements. 

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Does Hull Tex work with resin parts?

Yes, but there is one thing to consider - Hull Tex “standard” type reacts with styrene but doesn't react with resin therefore the initial bond is weaker but of similar firmness once the layer dries. Therefore you shouldn't swipe the layer with a brush right away as seen in our video - you only need to shake the excessive aggregate off of the model and leave it to dry. Hull Tex “scattered” type works normally there are no caveats.