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Washing kit parts before assembling ?


skyradial51

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Thought I would ask members who washes plastic parts before you start building your latest project ? what method do you use and what do you use to wash them in ?

is there any real benefit to washing all the plastic first or is it just a waste of time ?

I guess everyones different in there approach to this, so nice to see what your views are, cheersĀ 

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4 minutes ago, MilneBay said:

In over 60 years of modelling I have never washed kit parts and never had any problems.

Likewise.

However I have a few resin kits, and they will be washed before assembly.

I think I had one kit that had some release fluid residue, but I primed it instead, and most of the time I don't even prime unless it has quantities for filler to correct flaws or bad seams.

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I give the sprues a dunk in a washing up bowl of liquid sugar soap solution followed by a rinse in clean water. Dunk the sprue in, then slosh it about a bit. Then leave them to dry naturally for a couple of days on pieces of kitchen towel. Washing up liquid will do just as good a job.

Ā 

(I prefer a ā€˜belt and bracesā€™ method. Weā€™re no longer 10 year olds rushing home to tear open the latest kit purchase. And letā€™s face it, that kit has probably been in your stash for yonks anyway, so whatā€™s a couple of minutes washing and a few days drying.:D )

Ā 

Mart

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I don't wash before assembly, but I always do before external painting to remove mould release agents, skin grease, dust etc.

Ā 

My usual method is very diluted washing up liquidĀ scrubbed on with an old toothbrush, followed by careful rinsing using water applied with a toothbrush, followed by natural drying.Ā 

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I used to, because back in the 1980sĀ and early 1990s that is what the contributers to modelling magazines did.

Being older, lazier, and having less time to build I don't bother anymore unless it is covered in dust (some of the older kits bought from Evilbay, for example).

Ā 

DennisTheBear

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if you had one of the early issues of the ICM Yak-9 or Yak-7 it was necessary to get rid of the thick , heavy brown mold release agent the kits

were bathed in. :(

paint just didn't stick to it ; sometimes glue didn't either. ;)

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2 hours ago, PFlint said:

if you had one of the early issues of the ICM Yak-9 or Yak-7 it was necessary to get rid of the thick , heavy brown mold release agent the kits

were bathed in. :(

paint just didn't stick to it ; sometimes glue didn't either. ;)

Ā 

I second this. Also some of the earlier Amodel kits have a waxy coating on them. It needs a nice washing off in tepid water.

Ā 

Believe it or not, my latest washing episode (a Tamiya Spitfire in 1/72):

Ā 

Washing my parts

Ā 

Was done in my usual tepid water with two drops of this:

Ā 

Washing my parts

Ā 

It seems to help acrylic paints like Lifecolor and Hataka get purchase on the plastic in places I sometimes miss, or have only a thin coating, of primer.

Ā 

It also makes my parts smell niceĀ ;).

Ā 

All the best

TonyT

Ā 

PS: prior to the primer coat, I normally wipeĀ everything over with IPA swabs. They're really cheap, around AUD $2 (about Ā£1.30) from

the local chemist for 50.Ā I prefer them to cotton buds or cloths as they don't shed fabric.

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Only when I'm about to brush acrylic paint straight onto the plastic. Then the sprues go into a bowl of warm water and washing up liquid. They're then rinsed and dried off with kitchen towel.

Ā 

John.

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I wash the kit before assembly, as all plastics do have some release agent residue, even if you can't see it, because it is used by the manufacturer.

Then another wash after assembly to get rid of greasy finger marks and any dust.Ā 

Plus, I think it helps paint adhesion.

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Oddly enough I only started to wash the plastic because I read there can be problems with paint adhesion due to mould release agent yet that followed on decades of not doing it without any problems using enamels. Ā I changed my methods on the basis of advice and not experience.

Ā 

I do wash resin carefully and at times have still had issues with the primer not liking it far less the paint. Ā 

Ā 

I suppose on balance I'd rather wash and not risk a problem laterĀ 

Ā 

TonyT - Ā just for the briefest moment looking at your photo I imagined you were washing in the toilet !!!! Ā Glad your parts small nice though. Ā Tried Lynx?

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Most of the time I don't bother - unless the kit shows signs of being greasy or dusty.

Ā 

I think the use of spray can undercoats and primers has done away with the need to wash the plastic every time.

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Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  hi ALL ,

Ā 

Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  I always brush the Sprues with a soapy film and rinse before assemblin' the parts ...no big deal !

Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  and then before painting...no big deal.... coz over the assembly I have been eatin' 'n' drinkin'Ā  greazy stuff

Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  a wipe over with "A" GradeĀ  White Spirit is benefical.

Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  One of our Master Model Builder recommended wearnin' gloves durin' the buildingĀ  ........ g.g.m.s. !

Ā 

Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  cheery " modellin' " mumbas !

Ā 

Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  GEOFF

Ā 

Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  F.T.G. 3156

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I've never washed anything before assembly including resin.

I always give the kit once built up, a good wipe over with IPA, resin sub assemblies go into my ultra sonic cleaner for 20 minutes before any painting.Ā 

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Ā  hiĀ  Tank 152,

Ā 

Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  the mating surfaces have to be absolutely clean before gluein'

Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  Coz .......they do fall apart later !

Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  Makes sense don't it ?

Ā 

Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  mumbas !

Ā 

Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  Geoff

Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  F.T.G. 3156

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I'm inconsistent. Either I do wash the sprues or I don't. When I do I drop it in a bath of water and washing up liquid (just a drop or two) and lightly scrub with an old toothbrush. I rarely wipe it down with IPA, I paint with acrylics and use masks regularly. Just about every build. Rarely had paint lift but then again I primeĀ with Tamiya rattle can primers.Ā 

Ā 

When asked by a beginner I do recommend washing, priming and wiping with IPA, regardless of paint used. This could reduce their frustration early on as my hope is they stick with the hobby. The only thing more rewarding for me has been my marriage.Ā 

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3 hours ago, G.E.SAUNDERS said:

Ā  hiĀ  Tank 152,

Ā 

Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  the mating surfaces have to be absolutely clean before gluein'

Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  Coz .......they do fall apart later !

Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  Makes sense don't it ?

Ā 

Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  mumbas !

Ā 

Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  Geoff

Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  F.T.G. 3156

I've never had anything drop apart yet, so no it doesn't make sense, to me anyway. Ā I swipe over with a sanding stick and away you go.

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I never wash any kit parts before building a kit. Never done and never had any problem.

Re mating surfaces, like tank152 above, a quick sand paper or sanding stick swipe to make sure there is no paint, etc, is enough.

What I do though, is clean the model before painting,Ā or any parts that are going to get paint on. For this I use methylated spirit applied with a biggish brush, and then I wipe it clean with a kleenex, making sure no dirt/bits of plastic dust, etc. remains on the surface.

I works just fine!

Ā 

JR

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Nowadays it's smart to check the dishwashing liquid before use. Many of them have now adddition of some oils or other agents helpful for skin care, but leaving some grease on the kit parts. Same with the soaps.

Edited by GrzeM
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15 minutes ago, GrzeM said:

Nowadays it's smart to check the dishwashing liquid before use. Many of them have now adddition of some oils or other agents helpful for skin care, but leaving some grease on the kit parts. Same with the soaps.

Great point

Why is it all so complicated these days?

JT in full grumpy old man mode

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I might dab a little eau de cologne behind the ears if I'm feeling especially rakish at the bench, but that's as close as I've ever been to washing a kit....

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I just give a full wipe over with a tissue dipped in white spirit shortly before brush painting or airbrushing ,

clear parts are already masked , having been already washed in the washing up bowl . Fine detail parts

are washed in white spirit also but using a soft brush , been doing it this way for years .

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Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  hi ALL ,

Ā 

Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  has anyone noticed thatĀ  you can't glueĀ  "Snap KitsĀ  " and the new EGG PLANE Kits by TIGERĀ  with Poly Glues ?

Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  It appears that the plastic is a different composition and pretty well only glues with a Super Glue or Araldite

Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  andĀ  the mating surfaces have to be absolutely grease free and scuffed .

Ā 

Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  I built (2) of the GRAFIX Spitfires (yes, the one with the back to front Wings ! ) the 2nd one I chopped up to represent

Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  a " Wotif " Local Fire Brigade Bushfire Spotter........ it keep fallin' apart !Ā Ā  g.g.m.s. !

Ā 

Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  cheery "modellin' " mumbas !

Ā 

Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  Geoff

Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  F.T.G. 3156

Ā 

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