Dusting models

I hate dusting my models, and always seem to break something off one of them when I do ...

Easy trick- simply hold the model under a gently running shower which will wash off all the dust, and then set it aside to air-dry.  Works every time for me!

I've got a 1/2-inch round brush with long soft nylon bristles. It does as little damage to fiddly bits and sticking-out-things as anything I've ever tried.

That said, any form of case or dust cover is preferable.

I use a brush similar to the one Greg uses. I also use a small battery operated held held vacuum cleaner. It is called a Mini-Vac. It has a small soft brush instead of a nozzle and a very small dust collector bag. . My wife gave it to me as a birthday gift a few years ago. It works great and doesn't damage models. The web site is mini-vac.com.  

I use a really big round brush with soft thistles,but to tell you the truth,since I put them behind glass they really don't get dusty anymore

I use a leaf blower. Done and dusted.

I just throw em away when they get too dusty....that way I can build them again...better, and...I never run out of display space!

I dust the cars with a cloth and Pledge furniture polish. I use the aforementioned brush for the aircraft, but even then, some dust gets left behind.

Glenn

I use a blush brush that women use to apply blush.  It has big soft bristles which dust a large area and wont break off little pieces.  Works like a charm.

Cadet Chuck

Easy trick- simply hold the model under a gently running shower which will wash off all the dust, and then set it aside to air-dry.  Works every time for me!

I use several things.

I use my airbrush instead of the expensive canned air. In addition to being "free" air you can vary the PSI. Actually any compressor will work if you have a nozzle that allows you to adjust the air flow.

A variety of makeup brushes.

"Feather" brushes made of very fine delicate artifical fibers.

White cotton\microfiber gloves moistened with water or windex.

I actually use the shower (as in kitchen sink sprayer) technique with some of my figure models that don't have delicate features being careful around areas where water can get inside.

The problem with chemical cleaners is they can actually wind up attracting dirt. Ever wonder why dirty spots on carpet come back even after several cleanings?

The worst stuff to get off is the dust\grime\smoke that has hardened on the model.Usually due to waiting to long to dust.

I never have to dust them... Michael and Hobby Lobby sells those display cases for only $5-$20 and don't forget about 40% off coupons.  

When I build enough, I will beg my wife to get one of those glass displaying cabinets. 

If you leave 'em in the box on the sprue and never build 'em you don't have to worry about dust---right, Vance?

Manstein's revenge

Cadet Chuck

Easy trick- simply hold the model under a gently running shower which will wash off all the dust, and then set it aside to air-dry.  Works every time for me!

Seriously???

...only works with submarine models...

Manstein's revenge

If you leave 'em in the box on the sprue and never build 'em you don't have to worry about dust---right, Vance?

Heyy, what's that supposed to mea....  OK, I can actually confirm that this works!

professordeath

I just crank up the pressure on my compressor and spray air at them. Thinking that canned electronics air would work too.

I use a variant of this technique. I take the bottle off of my airbrush, spray for a few seconds to make sure all the thinner is out of it, then use the airbrush as a dusting brush, blowing the dust off.

I do a lot of ship models with rigging and stuff, so cannot wash it with water or anything. I used to use a regular soft small paint brush but find the airbrush works well.  For really stubborn spots I loosen the dust with the regular brush then hit it with air from the airbrush to get rid of it altogether.

I think I'll try the blush brush until I can get a more dust proof cabinet.

Still can't get my head around giving the models a shower.

There are several good ideas here.  I think I'll go with the airbrush, because of the adjustability of the airflow.  The blush brush sounds like a good backup.  Thanks!

You could store them in a vacuum chamber- no dust!

But I was serious about rinsing them under a shower (or sink sprayer) as long as the model and finish is of suitable material to not be damaged by water.  It's quick and cleans them thoroughly.  Of course, you would not do this to a ship model with thread rigging, canvas sails, etc.  

I have even done it to some old balsa wood / tissue airplane stick models- of course the tissue was sealed with dope and paint- no problem!

I use swiffers on my cars because they don't have alot that can snag. For my armor, aircraft, ships, etc.. Blush brush + airbrush to blow it away. I like the empty airbrush because I can adjust the pressure up and down vs single pressure canned air.

The bristles of a shaving brush are stiff enough to remove the dust but soft6 enough not to take off delicate parts.

professordeath

I just crank up the pressure on my compressor and spray air at them. Thinking that canned electronics air would work too.

Also a VERY soft long bristled brush. I use 3/4 "Simply Simmons" one stroke brush I got from Hobby Lobby less 40% and works great to get whatever the compressed air doesn't. I run my AB st at 20-25 lbs to dust off the models.