Avoiding Fingerprints

Keep greasy fingerprints off models

Introduction

Using an anti-perspirant on fingertips may help to avoid leaving greasy fingerprints on models.

Fingers perspire. Handling models leaves greasy fingerprints that may ruin a paint finish. Here is how to avoid them.

Background

One of the first things to do with a new model is to wash all the parts in warm soapy water to remove any grease or mold release agents that might reduce the adhesion of glues and paints that are to be used on the model. This is a good start, but unfortunately handling the model during construction and painting will add further greasy fingerprints that might spoil the paint finish.

Some modellers will wash the model a second time before painting. Unfortunately, by this time the model may have very delicate parts that might break off. Furthermore, if any water gets inside cavities of the completed model it may take a very long time to dry or might leak out during painting creating a mess.

Therefore, the best solution is to try to avoid getting any fingerprints on the model in the first place.

Method

The obvious solution is to wear disposable latex gloves or thin cotton gloves. If using the former then make sure that they are not the type that contains talcum powder. Talcum is sometimes put into latex gloves to make them easier to put on and off, but you will invariably get some on the model.

Unfortunately, many people find wearing gloves uncomfortable and feel that they also make handling small parts more difficult. There is also the cost to consider.

Hint: If you do use disposable latex gloves, they can be put to further use when you have finished with them. They can be cut up and used for scale tarpauline, sheets, flags etc.

The problem can also be minimised with scrupulous cleaning. Wash hands thoroughly before any modelling session, especially in hot conditions. Some liquid soaps include moisturisers, perfumes and oils that themselves might leave a residue on the model, so using a liquid dishwashing detergent might be better. Use a nail brush to scrub the fingertips to make sure that the hollows of the fingerprints are cleaned, then dry hands on a clean towel or use paper towel.

You may wish to consider a quick spray of your fingertips with an anti-perspirant - after all, if it works under arms it should work on fingers. Don't overdo it though or you may leave a powdery residue on the fingers that is just as bad as the grease in your perspiration.

Whilst modelling, occasionally wipe the end of your fingers with a moist wipe. Either a face cloth or paper towel dampened with soapy water, or the type of wipe that comes in a sachet.

~~ Last updated June 10, 2009 by Peter Hall. ~~

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