Nitrile Plastic gloves

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Techniques
1

This item hasn’t come up since 2004 so I thought it was time to do it again. A dentist gave me some nitrile exam gloves the other day because he does some modeling and swears by them. I’ve found plastic gloves clumsy and only use them when I’m airbrushing large areas. These things are very different - excellent tactile sensitivity because they fit so well. Not uncomfortable and quite easy to get on/off. I bought 40 pair for $8 and they’ll last three generations or so. What they’re really great for is small parts. No matter what you do you perspire through your hands. So if you’re trying to fit a very small part we clumsy types often get the dam part stuck to the finger. Won’t happen with these gloves and you can feel keenly enough so they’re still useful. Left hand glove, right hand tweezers and I’m having a much easier time fitting out the deck of a 700 scale warship - 20mm guns, rope widgets and other stuff about the size of an ant’s antenna. Doc Holiday claims other types won’t work as well, so look for nitrile. Widely available.(Course I just spent five hours putting on 60 parts so it’s still demanding. And a normal person would probably not notice any of them. Someone gave me an old 250 scale (or so) kit of the Buckley - I’ll make USS England - and it’s got 90 parts total. Something to be said for a kit you could probably do in an afternoon.)

Eric

2

I’ll use them once in a while for airbrushing when I need to hold the model I am painting. The gloves do last for several uses. I use them as a test spray surface when doing delicate patterns to test paint flow. It also provides a “starting” surface to engage the airbrush over before moving over the model to avoid splattering when the paint is first engaged.

3

I have worked in an acute medical facility for the past 6 years. because of the CHG soap and crappy vinyl gloves I used to use, I developed a serious case of contact dermatits. that was 5 years ago. since then, I have been afforded the luxury of using nitrile gloves all the time, ordering them whenever necessary on the facilities tab. therefor, i have amassed a stockpile of purple nitrile gloves that will last me for many years to come, and I can swear by them as well. worth their weight in gold when it comes to handling canopies slick with future while trying to mask.

4

I just pocket a few pairs of gloves every time I’m waiting in the exam room… Dunno what they’re made of, I’m guessing nitrile but only because they’re blue…

5

I don’t airbrush, and I think you should brush small parts, unless it’s easier for you. About the sticking to your fingers, that makes total sense, except it may be easier to just use tweezers. (I don’t make ships so I wouldn’t know.)

6

Thanks for sharing! This is a great example of how nitrile gloves can make modeling much easier. A few key takeaways:

Why Nitrile Gloves Work Well for Modeling

  1. Tactile Sensitivity: They fit snugly and allow precise handling of tiny parts, unlike loose plastic gloves.
  2. Grip & Control: Small pieces, like 20mm guns or ropes on scale ships, won’t stick to your fingers due to perspiration.
  3. Comfort & Ease of Use: Easy to put on and remove, and comfortable enough for long sessions.
  4. Durability & Cost: Buying in bulk is cheap, and they last through many projects.

Practical Tips for Model Builders

  • Use left hand for holding parts and right hand for tweezers to maximize precision.
  • Ideal for small, intricate assemblies where fingerprints or sweat could be a problem.
  • Look specifically for nitrile gloves other types (vinyl, latex) may not offer the same sensitivity or grip.

In short, nitrile gloves aren’t just for medical use they’re a game-changer for detailed model work.