I have been hardening models as pins and magnets for years. I have used the two 
part Epoxy Resins - but I do not follow the package instructions. Instead of 
mixing equal parts of the two components, I had a third equal part of lacquer 
thinner. That extends my working time from 20 minutes to two hours. The major 
draw back epoxy is that it is very smelly. If the model is place on the a 
plastic tarp, the epoxy will peal right off of the tarp. The balance can be 
trimmed off the model 
  
The one problem that I had found with using epoxy on kami paper - is that it 
turns the paper translucent  - which gives a lousy finish or looks like it is 
grease stained. I have found two work arounds for this. Make the paper into 
tissue foil or kami foil - with the draw back that is somewhat thicker to fold. 
The second method is to use an undercoat - several undercoats to be exact. If 
there is one little pin hole - the epoxy leaks in and leaves a grease stain. My 
favorite undercoating was J.W.'s Right Stuff - but I find it difficult to 
purchase. I had tried a Japanese product but it was expensive. I have been 
using Mod Podge   but dilute it. 
  
While using the Mod Podge as an undercoating, I have notice that it the smaller 
models are almost sturdy but still have a lot of flexibility. This is after 5 
or 6 thin coatings. 

Mark Kennedy

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