Handling and Detailing with Care

Depends to some degree on what sort of model it is...but the general answer is to think about it before painting, rather than after.

Most models can be mounted on a paint stand, an old section of 1x2 (useful for ships and armor) or a cleverly-bent wire coat hanger (most a/c have intakes, gear wells or gun-muzzle openings where bent wire 'holders' can be inserted).

I tend to leave most of my models on the stand -- even after painting is done -- for as long as possible. By handling the base instead of the model, you can save yourself a lot of wear, tear...and grief.

Small projecty bits like aerials and such should be saved to the very last...or you will, sure as the world, find yourself having to replace them.

Cheers

JustPlaneJon

Just wondering what kinds of procedures, techniques, tools, tips etc you all use for handling the model with care after the painting process and during detailing and finishing. Especially anything related to handling after applying metallic paint (even with a protective coat). I've gotten reasonably good at making a nicely prepared surface for painting, HOWEVER now the challenge seems to be maintaining that paint finish after the fact. 

Thanks! 

What a coincidence!  In another thread, there is a question about using Masterpiece Model's jig for holding an airplane model for painting.  You might be interested to have a look at this discussion:

http://cs.finescale.com/fsm/tools_techniques_and_reference_materials/f/23/p/185686/2121954.aspx#2121954

Thanks  Good point about having a jig planned out ahead of time

I place mine on closed cell foam or packing foam sheets. I don’t touch metallics for a few days if acrylic.

It took me a long time to learn this, but I now wear latex glues when I paint, and to handle model after painting.  I had bought a package quite awhile ago, so I had a good supply when the virus hit.  They are hard to find now, and expensive too.  I hope the stash I have is adequate to see me through the pandemic till supply and prices return to normal.

I use various methods to hold during paint drying.  For prop planes I have a set of rods of various sizes to stick in prop hole.  I have in my paint booth a short section of 2" pvc pipe glued to a base.  The other end of the rod goes in the tube, holding model in dive. For jets I use larger diameter dowel stock, wrapping closest smaller size with masking tape to bring it to tailpipe diameter.

For ships I always make a construction base, and have the model on that unit it is close to complete, when I transfer it to the fancy base.

For cars, I keep a stock of mdf material I cut up for various jigs and fixtures.  I cut a block for a base, and two lengths to use as supports for axles.  Car sits with axles on strips for painting and drying.