Jump to content

Cleaning model prior staining and painting


Recommended Posts

Unfortunate no matter how careful I was, my model has some grime on it from being handled while I was building it.  I've sanded it, and there is still some residual discoloration from me handling it.  Does anyone have any suggestions on how I might clean it some more before I stain it?

 

Thanks

 

Don

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What kind of 'grime'? Is it oily in nature? If so, perhaps a little isopropanol (rubbing alcohol)  may lift it. However, if the 'grime' has soaked into the wood, this may be ineffective.

Be sure to sign up for an epic Nelson/Trafalgar project if you would like to see it made into a TV series  http://trafalgar.tv

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Don,

 

A while back I happened to pick up a couple of boxes of alcohol wipes for a few dollars. You know, the kind that come in the little foil packs that Dr.s use to wipe your arm before a shot. Now, whenever I see something which needs cleaning I wipe it away before much of anything builds up.

 

John

Member:

Connecticut Marine Model Society

Nautical Research Guild

Model Ship World

"So we beat on, boats against the current, bourne back ceaselessly into the past" F. Scott Fitzgerald - The Great Gatsby

"If at first you don’t succeed.......skydiving is probably not for you”

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

I believe that the swabs are 70% Isopropyl OH.  That is the concentration that is

most harmful to bacteria.  The 91% probably works better for cooling and

as an after shave- if you are a nonsmoker and do not need perfume.

I predict that the cost per volume will weigh heavily against the swabs.

 

If removing the top layer of the planks does not work out, you could always

drop back and punt:  Stop by Wood Craft - get a packet or two of thin veneer 

with an appropriate grain and cover the soiled planking with a new layer.

If you choose Maple,Birch,or Beech, it can be dyed or stained and sealed before it is

attached.  Just protect the glue surface side with masking tape or painters tape during

 the stain and seal steps, not necessary if you dye.  The veneer - you should be able to

cut with scissors and a metal straight edge and #11 blade.

NRG member 45 years

 

Current:  

HMS Centurion 1732 - 60-gun 4th rate - Navall Timber framing

HMS Beagle 1831 refiit  10-gun brig with a small mizzen - Navall (ish) Timber framing

The U.S. Ex. Ex. 1838-1842
Flying Fish 1838  pilot schooner -  framed - ready for stern timbers
Porpose II  1836  brigantine/brig - framed - ready for hawse and stern timbers
Vincennes  1825  Sloop-of-War  -  timbers assembled, need shaping
Peacock  1828  Sloop-of -War  -  timbers ready for assembly
Sea Gull  1838  pilot schooner -  timbers ready for assembly
Relief  1835  ship - timbers ready for assembly

Other

Portsmouth  1843  Sloop-of-War  -  timbers ready for assembly
Le Commerce de Marseilles  1788   118 cannons - framed

La Renommee 1744 Frigate - framed - ready for hawse and stern timbers

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yeah Jagger....I guess your right.....for 2 cents a piece (Amazon)...the convenience just isn't worth it. J.

Member:

Connecticut Marine Model Society

Nautical Research Guild

Model Ship World

"So we beat on, boats against the current, bourne back ceaselessly into the past" F. Scott Fitzgerald - The Great Gatsby

"If at first you don’t succeed.......skydiving is probably not for you”

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...

Thanks everyone for the responses, just now having the time to work on my boats again.  The grime is caused by oils in my skin, so I think going forward I am going to wear gloves when building sections where the wood will show.  The alcohol wipes worked a little, but they were great in showing spots that needed further sanding.  

 

Don

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...