Washing the kit before painting!

[Waspie]

I've only been modelling since January 2022. I always pre-wash my sprues in a washing up bowl with warm water and washing up liquid. I then rince and air dry.

I do this because this is what I've read that people do. I've never not done it so don't know if it really makes a difference. It is though an easy thing to do.

In my short modelling career I've only built new kits from Airfix, ICM, Tamiya and Revell. Many of the model instructions advice you to.

I think I'll stick with this method as it's easy to do, doesn't cost anything and doesn't take much time.

Nothing to lose in doing it I guess. Also doesn't involve unnecessary chemicals too!!

[Waspie]

Indian Pale Ale. Best part of modelling. Pour it into a glass and drink while waiting for paint to dry.

Now there's an idea!!! Move my stash of ale to the garage!!!! Give SWIMBO more room in the house for plonk of the wine bottle variety!!!

[Mark1]

All i do with my kits is blow any sanding dust off ,trying not spit all over it then a coat of tamiya rattle can primer,that'll stick to a fried egg!

[langy71]

Like so many of the guys have said over the years, it's more down to 'surface prep' than anything else when painting, so I just tend to give it a wipe down with IPA before I let loose with the airbrush, However the current Mekon build did actually get introduced to good ole fairy liquid before an extra IPA wipe down, just to be 100% sure the resin wasn't going to cause any issues...(not worked with resin before so better to be safe than sorry)

[davecov]

Having to been to a few modelling shows over the years (which my partner, Aileen, calls "Smelly Modeller's Shows"), I think some of those present need to concentrate on washing themselves rather than their kits. Mind you, when I go to crafting shows with Aileen, we call those "Smelly Biddy Shows" for the same reason!

I'll get my coat.

Dave

[Tim Marlow]

ISOPROPYL -ALCOHOL, used for cleaning.

It’s also called propan-2-ol.

[Tim Marlow]

I stopped washing before assembly a good few years ago for the reasons Barry mentioned. Kit solvent glue will cut through any residual oil or grease left from the manufacturing process so it’s certainly not essential. I only wash sprues now if they are oily to the touch. It’s rare, but there are some manufacturers that still use release agent. Renedra (gaming figure moulders for several manufacturers) being one I have found.

Cleaning before painting is another kettle of fish. I do wash most models prior to priming, but not all. It depends how much filling and sanding I’ve had to do. Removing swarf and detritus left by the build clean up and fill sanding processes is essential to me. I usually do this with a dilute dish soap solution and a gentle scrub with a soft bristled brush. This does actually remove grease and oil as well, it’s what it’s designed to do after all, so it covers both bases. It’s also a lot more user friendly than other solvents and can be disposed of by pouring down the drain.

You may not need to clean grease off before before priming if there is no dust or swarf remaining after the build. This depends on the primer you intend to use. If you are using a water based primer you must remove grease and oil from handling because oil and water don’t mix and the primer will potentially not cover evenly or adhere properly. If you use solvent based primer, like the Tamiya mentioned by Mark above, the solvent in the primer will cut through and stick no problem at all.

[Tim Marlow]

Having to been to a few modelling shows over the years (which my partner, Aileen, calls "Smelly Modeller's Shows"), I think some of those present need to concentrate on washing themselves rather than their kits. Mind you, when I go to crafting shows with Aileen, we call those "Smelly Biddy Shows" for the same reason!

I'll get my coat.

Dave

My gaming mate and I always call wargaming shows the land of fat blokes in black T shirts……trouble is I fit that template these days

[Geoffers]

I’ve never washed a model as I’ve never felt I needed to….. but mainly because I’m a lazy sod :surprised: :tears-of-joy:

Geoff.

[KarlW]

Having to been to a few modelling shows over the years (which my partner, Aileen, calls "Smelly Modeller's Shows"), I think some of those present need to concentrate on washing themselves rather than their kits. Mind you, when I go to crafting shows with Aileen, we call those "Smelly Biddy Shows" for the same reason!

I'll get my coat.

Dave

War gaming cons/tournaments are usually the same, "Gamer funk" was the term coined.
I always remember the storm caused by one organiser actually supplying a basic guide to attending which besides advice on bringing a bag, actual money and water/snack also involved showering, nail clipping and deodorant application before dressing in clean clothes.

[Tim Marlow]

War gaming cons/tournaments are usually the same, "Gamer funk" was the term coined.
I always remember the storm caused by one organiser actually supplying a basic guide to attending which besides advice on bringing a bag, actual money and water/snack also involved showering, nail clipping and deodorant application before dressing in clean clothes.

To be fair Karl, it was probably the first time some of them had got out for a month…..