Plastic Models -> Bath time?

[McDevious]

I just picked up the super convenient fennblade box (45$ for 10 models? Nice!). One simple question: Do the plastic parts have the talc stuff that the metal ones had? If they don't, then that's yet another bonus. If they do, I guess it's bath time.

[Soulend]

The Guide In the NQ said nothing about washing them, so I didn't think to do it. (with my Bastions)

the paint sticks fine so I'm not sure if its needed!

Soul

[TimVanBoening]

I gave my Myrmadon a bath before assembling it. Better to be save than have paint not stick.

It was quite a funny site to see me washing it in the sink in the cabin I stayed at outside of Indy during Gen Con.

[Exeter]

I bathed my war spears. Then again, I bath every model I buy. The little time it takes for possible headaches you might have down the line is worth it imho.

The RoS myrm seemed excessively greasy out of the package.

[thesavage]

For a second there, I thought you meant you were going to take a bath with them. I thought to myself "I hope he has toy boats as well, otherwise his figures are going to drown."

[MetalsMike]

For a second there, I thought you meant you were going to take a bath with them. I thought to myself "I hope he has toy boats as well, otherwise his figures are going to drown."

I thought plastic could swim!

[Yuu]

In theory, you should wash any model, metal or plastic. Both casting process use a release agent. Also there's the oil from your hands... but I've panted up plenty of models of both medium without any bath time. I try to do it now though, seems like cheap insurance against flakes.

[halbard100]

I washed my Bastions and Myrmidon just to be safe. Better safe than sorry.

[thesavage]

What do you use to wash it? Ordinary soap and water, or something else?

[althai]

Generally speaking you will be handling your models a fair bit before painting: assembly, cleaning flash and mold lines, any conversion work you do, etc. All of this will leave residue from your hands on the miniature, as well as potentially metal dust if you do any filing or sanding, so you should wash it regardless of whether there is also a mold release compound.

[Brandubh]

What do you use to wash it? Ordinary soap and water, or something else?

I wash in a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar & water. The vinegar lightly etches the model and removes any releasing agent. However, I have not tested it on PP plastics, so you might want to test an expendable bit first. I really don't think they'll be an issue...but it's always good to play it safe.

[halbard100]

Just some luke warm water and liquid soap, i've used both hand soap and dish soap thats got degreaser in it. Theres really no difference from my experience, just whatevers convenient. And just scrub away.

[McDevious]

I use water and Simple Green cleaner. Never had any problems with metal models, but I may test it on a small plastic bit to see what happens.


Generally speaking you will be handling your models a fair bit before painting: assembly, cleaning flash and mold lines, any conversion work you do, etc. All of this will leave residue from your hands on the miniature, as well as potentially metal dust if you do any filing or sanding, so you should wash it regardless of whether there is also a mold release compound.

This will probably come off sounding like a silly question, but does soapy water affect the glue bond at all?

[CallmeGene]

In some case. I occasionally customize action figures, and when a stray bit of glue hits
a joint, I will use hot water and gentle movement to work it loose.

[HandsomeDan]

I just started painting mine 2 days ago. I did not wash them in any way, and the paint is sticking just fine. I wouldn't worry about it.

[Marius]

You know, i've never bathed a model in my life. That's over a decade of painting armies. And i've never had any paint flake, only chips from occasionally getting banged.