Evergreen 4503 Paving Slabs User Manual

Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the proper use, handling, and maintenance of your Evergreen 4503 Paving Slabs. These white polystyrene slabs are designed for various model-making and crafting applications, including plastic model making, model railways, and architectural model building.

The Evergreen 4503 Paving Slabs measure 1 x 150 x 300 mm with a grid pitch of 3.2 mm, supplied as a single piece. Their versatile nature makes them suitable for a wide range of creative projects.

Figure 1: Evergreen 4503 Paving Slab. This image displays a close-up of the white polystyrene sheet, highlighting its embossed grid pattern designed to simulate paving stones or tiles. The surface features numerous small, raised square sections arranged in a uniform grid.

Safety Information

Important: This product is a model building item and is not suitable for children under 14 years of age. Adult supervision is recommended when this product is used by individuals under 18 years of age.

• Keep out of reach of small children due to potential choking hazards from small parts.
• Use in a well-ventilated area, especially when cutting, sanding, or applying adhesives and paints.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses and gloves when handling tools for cutting or shaping.
• Dispose of waste materials responsibly according to local regulations.

Setup and Preparation

Before beginning your project, ensure you have all necessary tools and materials ready.

1. Workspace Preparation: Set up a clean, well-lit, and stable workspace. Protect your work surface from adhesives and paints.
2. Tools Required:
   • Sharp hobby knife or craft saw for cutting polystyrene.
   • Metal ruler or straight edge for precise cuts.
   • Cutting mat to protect your work surface.
   • Fine-grit sandpaper for smoothing edges (optional).
3. Adhesives and Paints: For optimal results, we recommend using Evergreen adhesive 170490/170492 and Vallejo paints, which are compatible with polystyrene. Always test adhesives and paints on a small, inconspicuous area first.
4. Material Inspection: Inspect the paving slab for any damage or imperfections before use.

Operating Instructions (Usage)

These polystyrene paving slabs are highly versatile and can be easily cut, shaped, and painted to suit your specific model-making needs.

1. Cutting:
   • Place the slab on a cutting mat.
   • Use a metal ruler as a guide for straight cuts.
   • Score the polystyrene several times with a sharp hobby knife, applying light pressure. Do not try to cut through in one pass.
   • Once scored deeply, you can snap the piece along the score line. For thicker sections or intricate shapes, a fine-toothed craft saw may be more suitable.
2. Shaping and Sanding:
   • Edges can be smoothed using fine-grit sandpaper or a small file.
   • Polystyrene can be gently bent or thermoformed with controlled heat, but exercise caution to avoid melting or deforming the material excessively.
3. Adhesion:
   • Apply a thin, even layer of recommended polystyrene adhesive to one of the surfaces to be joined.
   • Press the pieces together firmly and hold until the adhesive sets. Refer to the adhesive manufacturer's instructions for specific drying times.
4. Painting:
   • Ensure the surface is clean and free of dust or grease before painting.
   • Use paints specifically designed for plastics or model making, such as Vallejo paints.
   • Apply paint in thin, even coats to avoid obscuring the grid detail. Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat.

Maintenance and Storage

Proper care and storage will ensure the longevity and usability of your Evergreen 4503 Paving Slabs.

• Cleaning: If necessary, gently wipe the surface with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents that may damage the polystyrene.
• Storage: Store unused slabs flat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. This prevents warping or degradation of the material.
• Handling: Handle with care to avoid bending, creasing, or scratching the surface, especially the detailed grid pattern.

Troubleshooting

Here are some common issues and their solutions when working with polystyrene sheets:

• Problem: Difficulty cutting straight lines.
  Solution: Ensure your hobby knife blade is sharp. Use a sturdy metal ruler and make multiple light passes instead of one deep cut.
• Problem: Adhesive not holding pieces together.
  Solution: Verify that you are using an adhesive compatible with polystyrene. Ensure surfaces are clean and free of dust or oils. Apply sufficient pressure and allow adequate drying time.
• Problem: Paint peeling or not adhering properly.
  Solution: Clean the surface thoroughly before painting. Use paints specifically formulated for plastics. Apply thin coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
• Problem: Slab warping or deforming.
  Solution: Store the slabs flat and away from heat sources or direct sunlight. Polystyrene can soften and warp under high temperatures.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

Specific warranty information for the Evergreen 4503 Paving Slabs is not provided in the product details. For any product-related inquiries, technical support, or questions regarding potential defects, please contact the manufacturer directly:

Manufacturer: International Hobbycraft Co. Inc

Please refer to the original point of purchase or the manufacturer's official website for the most current support and warranty details.