Basic Guide to using Photo Etch - Tips & Tricks for scale model cars

I watch all your videos, but have not built a model car yet.
I have started building armor kits since covid started. In the 80s there was no such thing as photo etched parts that i knew of.
I agree, it adds alot of realism. But the learning curve is very high. I have more or less destroyed all the PE stuff i have attempted to install this year. I have ordered a bender and a set of flat pliers to help use these parts in the future. I want to get better at using PE but i think I have lacked the proper tools so far. I guess there isn't much bending involved in automobile modeling.
I have also gotten that Tamiya Lotus kit. It will be my first car model in 40 years....

I only the use the parts that come with the kit, all Hasegawa rally cars came with the seat belts which was a novelty back then :) if you put a drop of super glue onto a plastic lid like a pringles lid the super glue stays runny longer, little tip :)

Great vid my friend!

Great video Thomas. For gluing tiny photoetch like badges or bolts to a body I like to use a tiny drop of acrylic gloss clear like tamiya x22 applied with a tooth pick. As the x22 dries, it acts like a glue, but isn't harsh at all and won't damage clear coat or paint work.

Very good and helpful video Thomas!

Nice hints and tips. Couldnt do a build with out PE. Still on the look out for entire PE models.

Great advice. Ive yet to use any photo etch but i do have some kits that came with it so these tips make it alot less daunting.

I am finishing the paint,sanding, polishing , clear Coat of AMT's 67 Impala SS. I just received the photo-etched upgrade and have a few questions. On this car there are very small tedious scripts that will make all the difference in a build. I am curious to know what method of adhesive do you use that will give some time to place it in the exact spot without leaving traces of adhesive which can be extremely disappointing and not look good.

What's PVA?

Thank you so very much.

Do you use photo etch parts? How have they helped improve your builds?