Cleaning Dust off Models

[Randy Winkman]

Apologies if this has been asked before. I have a 1/18 formula 1 model and intend to get one or two more. I dont like displaying it in the case so inevitably it gets a bit dusty. Every so often I brush that off best I can with a very soft artists paint brush. Are there other ways such as blowing or vacuuming that work well?

[hidetheelephants]

Can of compressed air or a small compressor if you've got a lot to clean.

[Wacky Racer]

hidetheelephants said:

Can of compressed air or a small compressor if you've got a lot to clean.

This, just bought three cans for £7.99.

[AlfaCool]

I have about 50 or so in the man shed, they of course get rather manky, so they get a. bath in soapy water every summer. does the job nicely.

[Randy Winkman]

Thanks for the replies about using air - I can see that mini vacuums/blowers are available and might get one of those.

With regards washing - might that affect decals or cause some problems taking ages to dry off in nooks and crannies? I guess not or you wouldn't do it.

[lufbramatt]

Tamiya do an anti static model cleaning brush that works well.

[dr_gn]

You’ll not get all the dust off by blowing it with air - boundary layer - you can’t change physics.

I’ve got a Tamiya dust brush. For older, more robust models (mainly cars, but a couple of aircraft) I use a soft paint brush under running water.

[dr_gn]

Randy Winkman said:

Thanks for the replies about using air - I can see that mini vacuums/blowers are available and might get one of those.

With regards washing - might that affect decals or cause some problems taking ages to dry off in nooks and crannies? I guess not or you wouldn't do it.

Are your decals overcoated with a varnish? If so it's probably OK, if not it could be a problem.

[Randy Winkman]

dr_gn said:

Randy Winkman said:

Thanks for the replies about using air - I can see that mini vacuums/blowers are available and might get one of those.

With regards washing - might that affect decals or cause some problems taking ages to dry off in nooks and crannies? I guess not or you wouldn't do it.

Are your decals overcoated with a varnish? If so it's probably OK, if not it could be a problem.

It's a ready-made GP Replicas model so guess the decals would be OK. And thanks to those that suggested an anti-static brush. I'll get one of those.

[Skii]

Large Make up brush / blusher

[Randy Winkman]

Cheers. My very soft art brush is probably much like that but not quite as big. I think I'll go for a specific anti-static model cleaning brush. I might be paying twice as much for it but it wont exactly break the bank.

[Pereldh]

Maybe a proper case like these are ok? Much easier to dust off!

[Randy Winkman]

Pereldh said:

Maybe a proper case like these are ok? Much easier to dust off!

Hmmmm. They do look OK as cars in cases go but it is what I'm trying to avoid really. I've managed with the one I've got with no case for 3 years but was just having a few thoughts about getting a couple more when cleaning might be more of an issue.