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I've got an older model that has been exposed to the elements (i.e. cats and dogs and household dust). I would like to clean it up and restore it to its original luster. As I said, it has not been cased, and is therefore, 'fuzzy'. What is the best way to clean the model up before I fix it up and put it in a case (for posterity's sake).
"Why do I do this? Because the money's good, the scenery changes and they let me use explosives, okay?"
What kind, how delicate, and do you remember what it was finished in?
Prior to that information, maybe blowing with compressed air while lightly scrubbing with a soft brush.
GH's suggestion is an excellent one.
If it needs that 'one step beyond,' however, be aware that unless they contain items made of paper (like bed rolls, flags, etc.), most models will stand up well to a rinse with warm water -- preferably done over a bowl rather than the sink, so no 'surprise' loose parts are lost -- then thoroughly air-dried or (better) with a low-setting hair dryer.
(No long soaks...but even acrylic-based paints and clear-coats...and water-based glues, if used...should easily shed a quick rinse.)
Good luck.
Greg
George Lewis:
I use my airbrush without the paint bottle on it. It gives a very gentle breeze- I even use it on my sailing ships. I also use a supple long haired brush to stir up the dust while the airflow is on.
Don Stauffer in Minnesota
Don Stauffer I use my airbrush without the paint bottle on it. It gives a very gentle breeze- I even use it on my sailing ships. I also use a supple long haired brush to stir up the dust while the airflow is on.
I have to display my models in a basement, and where I live, a funky mildew seems to grow on parts that are painted with dark flat enamels and on my standing rigging, mostly on the shrouds. Combine this with the dust, dirt, and pet hair and my models get pretty grimey looking.
I use my airbrush at 20 psi with distilled water mixed with a mild anti-fungal detergent that I use in my dehumidifier that seems to disolve the mildew and not harm the finish of the model. Its like giving the model a scaled down power wash. I then use soft brushes and foam q-tips to do the deep cleaning, then as Don does, use the airbrush to dry and do the final cleaning at between 10 and 15 psi.
Ditto to what Don & Scott said. A womans long hair soft (& cheap) make-up brush and about 20psi gets off most of the loose dust. Distilled Water and the same brush will take off the top layer of dirt. Q-tips and Distilled water the next. If there is still dirt, I use a Q-tip and a little windex mixed with the distilled water. Then I put the model in my spray booth, turn on the fan and let the model dry for about 8 to 10 hours before handling.
Hope that this helps.
Jim
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Main WIP:
On the Bench: Artesania Latina (aka) Artists in the Latrine 1/75 Bluenose II
I keep hitting "escape", but I'm still here.
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