Cleaning and refurbishing

[magna]

A lot of models collect dust etc over time and all that hard work can be ruined.

When models are kept in storage they can still accumulate extras just as they do when 
displayed 'in the open'.

This thread is for any methods anyone cares to share for cleaning up or even repainting already
finished kits.

First thing I have found is the wonderful model kit dedusting brush. 



Lots of bristles and exceptionally soft so you can flick carefully over the model. No need to rub. This brush is more commonly known as a makeup brush as that
is actually what it is.

If you have actual grime or dirt stuck on a model use dishwashing liquid with water (not much). If there are oily marks from insects you can try a bit of salt
and water first as that will help to remove acids and oils.

Vinegar and lemon juice are also sometimes suggested but experience with decals that were not clear coated has put me off these.

Others here have more experience with the types of clear coating available and what is best but a good type will save a lot of pain down the track.
On the JagdPanther in the picture I used one Step floor wax mixed with water (same as Future?) and that was over twenty years ago. The best part
about the floor wax trick is you may wash some off if you clean with dishwashing liquid/water but it is easy to recoat and your done.

[Whiterook]

This is a fantastic topic, so thanks for starting this thread!

Well first of all, yuppers… makeup brushes are a must! I personally discovered them for use when my wife got a makeup brush set with brushes she didn’t want and asked if I could use them for hobbies or art; I’d not considered that, but being a loyal member of CAPS ( Mag’s joke back at WWIIZ of a fictitious club for folks that reuse common household items in hobbies, which I fell for hook line and sinker! ), I gave them a try and they were as MAGNA advertised… soft bristles that get in nooks and crannies perfectly! I gladly grab any she or a best friend who happens to be of the female variety, get rid of.

I’ll add to that, certain animal hair artist brushes, which also have super soft bristles (Kosinski of course being top of the line, though extremely expensive); try them out in the art store. Synthetic artist brushes have gotten better over the years, as they used to be pretty stiff and coarse, so have a gander at those as well. Some of these brushes have an angled brush head end, which gets in tight spaces, and fan brushes can be a nice quick wide-swath solution.

…I use both examples above, as I work on my models…and of course, at conclusion of construction, prior to paint.

I’ve not used liquid cleaners of any kind, but the tip on dishwashing liquid is an excellent one…the trick being to find that dampened level. My displayed models generally get a makeup brush wipe down now and then, and does the trick

Hadn’t thought of the bugs issue… great tip on the salt solution!!!

[magna]

Cleaning.  Towards the right of the pic on the side hull it looks lighter. This was a quick rub with a cloth and Isopropyl alcohol.
Paint is water based acrylic.





Removing water based acrylic for a repaint. The red brown is oil based paint from an earlier paint scheme.

This is now visible as the water based acrylic is gone. This was with tea tree oil. A bit on a cloth and rub.
Pretty easy and no chemicals.

[Whiterook]

Tea tree oil! …now that is a brilliant idea!