PE - Is this normal?

[AlanG]

I've only ever really used pre-painted PE so i'm not sure about this set i have got. I've used one bit of it but it was like this when i opened it. Some of the bits still seem 'shiny' but the other bits look like they have corrosion/or acid on them. Is this normal for unpainted sets? Should i persevere with it or contact Eduard about it?

[The Smythe Meister]

Not used a massive amount of Etch to be honest Alan, but the majority of what I have done has been very shiny,and Clean....
.....although SOME has indeed,looked a little tarnished, although if I remember rightly, that's usually been quite a bit thinner also!
... not a lot of help I know, I'll be interested to hear the replies

[Tim Marlow]

Looks OK to me Alan. It’s only on the half etched parts and usually happens when the etcher hasn’t changed the ferric chloride etchant quite as regularly as they should. The slightly slower etching has brought some ions to the surface.

To be honest, it’s better than shiny……it has a micro etched surface so takes paint much more readily……

[AlanG]

So do i have to try and clean it up or anything? What will it look like under a coat of paint?

[Tim Marlow]

So do i have to try and clean it up or anything? What will it look like under a coat of paint?

Should be absolutely fine Alan. No clean up required. Treat it exactly as you would any other PE.

[AlanG]

Cheers Tim

[The Smythe Meister]

Well,not even my thread,but I've learned stuff once again!! ...
... Gotta love this site eh?!!

[scottie3158]

That will be fine to use, if you like it you can rub it down gently with some scotchbrite other scourers are available, Which I do as a matter of course to help adhesion of both glue and paint.

[BattleshipBob]

I use a fibreglass pencil Al. Have had one pe set like that but no problems using it apart from me lol

[JR]

Well,not even my thread,but I've learned stuff once again!! :smiling3: ...
... Gotta love this site eh?!!

Yes you pick up the most amazing bits of information Andy. :smiling3:

[Ian M]

Wow did you by that from a shop new? If it was me they would get a whisky tango foxtrot mail from me with photo! Looks to me like it has been pickled. Useable yes. Acceptable as a new product at full price? Nope.

[Neil Merryweather]

Wow did you by that from a shop new? If it was me they would get a whisky tango foxtrot mail from me with photo! Looks to me like it has been pickled. Useable yes. Acceptable as a new product at full price? Nope.

I don't see the problem Ian, it's just cosmetic. I used PE in my job since the eighties. The etchers just use a 'brightening' solution to make it look better,so unless you need to use the brass in its raw state(which we sometimes did - PITA) it makes no difference whatsoever.

[Tim Marlow]

I don't see the problem Ian, it's just cosmetic. I used PE in my job since the eighties. The etchers just use a 'brightening' solution to make it look better,so unless you need to use the brass in its raw state(which we sometimes did - PITA) it makes no difference whatsoever.

Extremely common with the kitchen table manufacturers back in the day Neil. As I said, in this state it takes paint better than the bright shiny electro polished (?) stuff…..probably glues better as well.