Hi to everybody,
My name is Dimitris and I live in Greece. Although I have been building plastic models for a number of years there are many things that I don’t know.
For instance, what is the best technique and material for removing accidental fingertips from a model? [?]
Does it work the same on gloss as well as flat finishes?[?]
Welcome to FSM!
Huh? [%-)]
Mike
I think he means accidental fingerprints left in the paint or something similar.
Best option of course is to never touch wet paint, or strip the paint and redo.
Not touching wet paint is obvious. However fingertips stain even parts that have been painted days ago and is quite a hassle to repaint them. What do you do then?
What paints are you using?
Did you wash and prime your Models?
Personally, I think about the only option is to take a very fine grade of sandpaper, sand lightly, and then re-spray with your basecoat.
In the future, allow the paint to dry thoroughly (couple of days) prior to touching your model. In addition, wear gloves during painting, and/or rig your kit during painting so you won’t have to touch it.
By the way, welcome to the FSM forum family.
Gip Winecoff
Welcome to FSM Demitris. Fingerprints can be a problem even after the paint has dried. The best thing to do has already been suggested, and that’s to use gloves after your model has been painted.
I agree with the other comments, especially when it comes to gloss paints.
They can remain tacky for a few days.
Use the old test of “If you can smell any paint smell then it is not fully cured.” [;)]
Mike
If wet paint is not the issue then washing your hands often might help if the fingerprints are from skin oils…
I agree with everyone here Dimitris, as I’ve had problems with flat black, and silver seeming to rub off, if I touch it with my greasy fingers, even if I wash my hands thoroughly, and literally days later. My solution is to wear gloves, and to spray future on parts that I have to "manhandle’, and then use a flat coat as necessary, when I’m sure I won’t touch the parts ever again!!! BTW, welcome to the family!!!
I use Gunze acrylics. The problem is more evident on flat black.
No, Ididn’t prime. What color works best as a primer? Silver?
Gunze acrylics should be try within a few hours at the most, even if you apply a thick layer of paint with a brush.
No, you best use a primer.
There are many different primers out there, some even use automotive primers for cars. Gunze, Tamiya, etc they all make their own primers which tend to be a bit on the pricy side.
Many will tell you that plastic models don’t need to be primed, but you will get a better end-result of you do.
As the other recommended try to get hold of some surgical gloves or similar and try to handle the parts as little as possible and topcoat between paint layers.
Nothing else I can think of right now.
One thing.
What did you use to thin the paint?
And did you airbrush or brush it on?
Ok, make that 2 things.