(Beginner) Washing the parts before starting

[zuludog]

I don't think I've ever washed sprues before assembly, or when a model's assembled but before painting, in normal use, though I gave washed a model during assembly if I've done some extensive work like a lot of filling & sanding for poorly fitting parts or a conversion.

The method I use is to put some lukewarm water in a jar or cup, then add just a drop of washing up liquid. I wash it over with a cheap soft brush; for years I've used a size 7 squirrel hair brush. I normally use this brush dry for sweeping away dust from sanding

If I've used tape to hold parts together while gluing, typically fuselage halves, after I've removed it I wipe the area with a cotton bud & white spirit, then wash as above

I almost always use enamel paints, so perhaps these are not as affected by a small amount of oil as water based acrylics

[BarryW]

I don't think I've ever washed sprues before assembly, or when a model's assembled but before painting, in normal use, though I gave washed a model during assembly if I've done some extensive work like a lot of filling & sanding for poorly fitting parts or a conversion.

The method I use is to put some lukewarm water in a jar or cup, then add just a drop of washing up liquid. I wash it over with a cheap soft brush; for years I've used a size 7 squirrel hair brush. I normally use this brush dry for sweeping away dust from sanding

If I've used tape to hold parts together while gluing, typically fuselage halves, after I've removed it I wipe the area with a cotton bud & white spirit, then wash as above

I almost always use enamel paints, so perhaps these are not as affected by a small amount of oil as water based acrylics

I remember when I used to use enamels when young and you are right they are less problematical for oil or grease residue. But it is not only water based acrylics that are affected. I find that solvent based acrylics can also be affected and when I have not cleaned the plastic sometime you can see a reaction on the plastic.