Holding small parts for airbrushing

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Tools
1

I frequently see YouTube videos showing modellers holding small parts on the end of toothpicks or small sticks with what appears to be putty on the end. Are the putty sticks something available to buy and if not, what are they best made from? When using toothpicks is it necessary to drill holes in the part to attatch the toothpick or is it glued to the part?

Thanks

Craig

2

Silly putty or poster tack

3

I use poster tack also. But I also frequently drill a small ( 0.020) hole in the part and jam in a pin or small wire. I also sometimes tack small parts down to a piece of scrap particle board with double-sided tape.

I also paint many parts while they are still on sprue, then touch up the spot where they are attached to sprue after painting and removing.

4

As with so many other things, I’ve used each of the methods that the others have mentioned, and still do, depending on the situation.

  • I’ll use poster tack to stick something on a toothpick, and then plant the toothpick in a block of styrofoam.
  • I’ll use masking tape (3M’s household tape, which I no longer use for masking), doubled back on itself, to tape items to pieces of cardboard.
  • I’ll drill holes in pieces, especially figures, and then tack them with white glue to a toothpick or a straight pin.
  • I also use clothespins or those plastic clamps from Harbor Freight, as temporary holders, or to allow a piece to sit or stand without falling over, when airbrushing.

Upshot, is, there are many techniques, and you might wind up using more than one, or even all of them, depending on your own results.

5

All of the above.

And one more I use a lot…

A small piece of double-sided mounting tape on the end of a Popsicle stick. Holds a variety of things.

6

I use the above mentioned methods as well. As for the sticks that I use, I went to my local Walmart and found a bag of craft sticks in their arts and crafts section. The bag has roughly 150 wooden sticks that are about 41/2 inches long and are about 3/16 in wide. These are thin enough that they can be carved with a hobby knife to fit smaller areas if needed. Yet, they are sturdy enough that I have glued sandpaper strips to them and used them as sanding sticks for tight spaces.

7

Alligator clips attached to skewers hold parts for me. Works 100% all the time.

8

Nothing to add!

You guys took em all!

9

I use those little plastic sticks with the clear sticky bulb on one end .I get them at my LHS . They are good for hundreds of uses .

10

Thanks so much for all the advice! it’s greatly appreciated The last time i did any modeling was in 1960. I held parts with my fingers and painted them with a brush. My how things have changed.

Craig

11

I’ve bought them from Hobby Lobby with a 40% off coupon. I use them for gluing tiny parts.

12

Ditto on the toothpicks and blue-tac. I’ll use old pieces of sprue too.

13

I use the Stix brand holders (green smart hold and blue strong hold) they work great.