Flush Rivet sets

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 The first pic shows all that is required to do a first class job of applying rivets. Rivet tape, tacky glue (water soluable), denatured alcohol to clean strips after each application, and paper towels. That’s all you need Various configurations can be used to create any rivet line(s) you want to duplicate. Remember here the LESS is MORE! After the glue is applied, you level the glue line in the holes by running your finger BOTH ways along the glue line. Both ways is VERY important to achieve a consistent amount of glue in each hole. At this point you must decide how you want the rivet to look when dry. Less glue gives a more flush rivet look and more left in the holes will give a more round head look. Keep in mind that the Paint will tone down the appearance of the rivets. I apply these rivets AFTER my panel lines are established AND my FINAL FINISH BEFORE PAINT is established. (you really don’t want to sand off all the rivet detail) One final caution. You must keep the surface grease and oil free. I always clean the surface with a degreaser such as PREPSOL or Home Depot’s version of this called PREPSALL. Your probably asking “what’s up with the denatured alcohol? “ After each application you soak a paper towel with the alcohol, fold it in half and pull the rivet strip through the folded towel to remove the glue on the strip. This may take several “pulls” to remove the glue. This MUST be done IMMEDIATELY after pulling the rivet strip from the surface or you will get a glue build up in the holes affecting the quality of the rivet line. Should this happen, simply wash the strip in warm water, dry with a paper towel, and if necessary run the strip through a paper towel soaked with denatured alcohol to reactivate the adhesive on the strip. This method is MUCH faster than freehand application of “glue rivets” and the spacing and consistency simply cannot be duplicated freehand. 

- Write up and pics courtesy of Vic Macaluso