Model Forum / General / Models / December 2006

yes2

well for the past 42 years I have never done it.  little buggers still
go together just fine.

Craig

Do all model kits need a scrub down?,or is it just a good idea?.

Hmmm, yes.  To clarify that...I've had good and bad results from both
enamels and acrylics on both washed and unwashed plastic.  The bad results
were fisheyes and areas that didn't adhere well.  The specific cause?  Who
knows, surface contaminants of some kind.  Look at it this way; washing
can't hurt, not washing might--is it worth the risk?  As long as you get
everything rinsed properly and absolutely dry before you paint washing
won't create its own set of problems.  You could opt for a simple alcohol
washdown--just make sure you get everything covered.  Whether or not I
wash with soap and water or alcohol depends on my time constraints; if I
need it right now it gets alcohol, if I have time it gets soap and water.
As weird as this may sound, taking the time to scrub things down with soap
and water is actually rather relaxing.  Now, notice I mentioned plastic
earlier--resin and vinyl are a different story.  Both get washed every
time, no exceptions.  I've yet to touch a resin or vinyl kit that didn't
have some type of residue from the molding process, whether it be talc
particles, or liquid release agent.  Generally, for resin or vinyl I do
both soap and water, and alcohol as well.  Just from a personal
standpoint, knowing myself as well as I do (very, VERY little patience and
incredibly low tolerance for BS), the little extra work washing greatly
outweighs the extra work I might have stripping, repriming and repainting,
which I've been forced to do once or twice. No fun.

Resin generally requires it, while for plastic it's generally a good idea.

That said, I consider it a required step for any model I build.  Regardless
of material.  Multiple times in fact ...

I wash all the sprues on a kit before starting to work on it.

I scrub all completed subassemblies with a toothbrush and dishsoap
before priming.

I scrub all subassemblies with a toothbrush and dishsoap between coats
(primer, paint or clear coat) if I do any sanding.

Washing the sprues gets rid of anything left over from the manufacturing
process.  Washing the subassemblies gets rid of anything left over from
the assembly process (sanding debris, finger prints, skin oils, etc).

The first step (washing sprues before beginning assembly) is the only
step I'd consider optional.  At least for many plastic kits.  But I
do it anyway.  Always following the same process keeps me from forgetting
steps and makes it easier to a.ses changes to the process.

John