It’s been a while since I’ve built my last model. Last time I built one, my first step was washing the parts in dishwashing liquid to rid it of mold-release agent, and sticking it in the microwave to dry it.
Back then, styrene wouldn’t heat up, but the water was evaporated pretty quick. So has styrene remained pretty much the same or have they, since, added anything to it that might cause it to get hot and warp? With today’s EPA standards, it’s hard to say what changes have been made as the years passed.
Thanks,
Kevin
I’d avoid the microwave. Water will dry pretty quickly on its own. A friend tried to force dry oils on resin kit in the microwave and had to rebuild an arm. If you really need to dry it off quicky, hold it in front of a fan or hairdryer on low setting.
I think the microwaves have seen the biggest changes…ie more powerful. I know I have to reduce all cook times on my microwave in half. You can use a blow dryer on low setting holding it a nice distance away.
you don’t want microwave…
it might melt the styrene and ruin the model[:D]
drying models in the microwave!!! That sounds like a bad idea!
yep the micro will do… it if u want to create the worlds first model of the blob[(-D][(-D] …jazz
Y’all probably know this, but…a microwave works by “exciting” water molecules. That’s why it’s so easy to boil water or reheat food, but they don’t retain their heat like they would if you put them in the oven instead.
If you put a model kit in the microwave, chances are it might explode. There are little airpockets in the pieces sometimes, certainly in the sprue, and any “loose” molecules in there could get “over excited” and cause a…“bad” shall we say? reaction.
Lay the pieces out on a paper towel overnight and have patience. [:D]