Hi everyone. I have a large amount of shelf releics that have about 20 years of accumulated dust on them. What ideas or techniques do you have on cleaning models? Planes, Armor, Boats and Cars, I have them all?
There several options depending on the model/dustiness.
1: Compressed air (LOW pressure). Use one of the air cans for dusting keyboards etc. or, if your vac. allows, move the hose from the suck side to the blow side and blow them off.
2: Duster: One of the fluffy nylon types (Magnaduster et al). These are really light and fluffy and pick up a static charge when wiped over a TV screen or monitor.
3: Rag: This one I use for autos and other vehicles that don’t have a lot of small things that can break off.
These are the three I use most often, I’m sure others will be along soon!
For getting into some of the tighter spaces, try a fan brush. Available at just about any arts and crafts store.
I throw mine in the washing machine-just be sure to use cold water, no softener and the gentle cycle. Also, have lots of glue on hand.
A couple of items for some thought…
A blower brush from a camera store is well worth the few dollars investment.
Some are anti static as well but these are harder to find.
Using the air compressor at very low pressure and remove the line from the airbrush and just use than. Cheaper than cans if you already have the compressor and easier to handle in thight space.
A blusher brush used for make up (ask your wife , girlfriend or sister to show you one) is also good but a little large for finre details. Good for flat surfaces though.
Cheers, Pete.
Dirt Devil makes a nice kit to convert a standard vaccum nozzle into a micro nozzle with attachments.
the compressed air or the minivac. less chance of breaking small pieces.
joe
I use one of those feather dusters. If that doesn’t work, a compressed air can or a cloth. 20 years is a lot of dust worth, and Im not quite certain a duster will pick up that much 
I forced so much air across my corsair,that giant 4 bladed prop spun so fast she almost taxied off the table,I think I just might try the washing machine,I was wonder what cycle to use in the drier[(-D]
I just use warm soapy water gently dapped on with a tissue. Once the dust etc is off I’ll repeat with just warm water and then pat dry with another tissue. I think this will remove more than the duster or compressed air methods - after 20 years there’s going to be a bit there.
Thanks, I was wondering if dish soap was ok. Also, if a Future finish may be harmed by warm water and mild detergent?
[(-D][(-D][(-D] Thanks for the best laugh of the day.
Well the best way to clean them…is to leave them in the box un-assembled and in a storage unit 100’s of miles from where you are…then you just blow the dust off the boxes.
Sorry it’s been a loooooooooooooooong while since Ive added a Smart %$^ comment to anything, I couldnt resist…I’ll just try harder next time.
I’d say you’re still in good form Chris. [^]
Once it is dry, Future shouldn’t be affected. After all, anyone washing their floor with a mild detergent to clean a spill usually doesn’t strip the finish. Still, have your airbrush ready if that would make you feel more comfortable, although I doubt you’ll need it.
[:-,] Have you considered viable alternatives to the drudgery of dusting/cleaning?[:O]
Just consider the dust and grime as “weathering” and diorama material that’s already partially completed for you. [^] It’ll be a lot easier than trying to scrub off all those layers.
To do this successfully you have to consider the quality of the accumulated dust. If it is tan–consider a desert scene; brown–muddy race tracks or battlefields; light gray or white–winter, of course, etc.,etc. [swg] With a little imagination and a modicum of work the possibilities are endless! Don’t waste that 20-year accumulation.[(-D] Make it work for you.[:p]
“Should we prosper it shall be as is our custom…by Miracle!”[:o)]
Yea, thanks for the ideas, I like armor and warbirds because the dust does add appeal to them. I have been using the airbrush with water and mild soap and it works great. Especialy on the rigging of the ships and on the decks where I can’t get a brush. Kinda like a miniture carwash. I pre-soak, then soap, then a couple of rinses, then get the wifes blowdryer to dry them off.
Did lose a few decals off some of the older models.
I just use cotton swabs and cotton balls dipped in warm water.
DJ