Strange (maybe dumb) question

[El Roberto]

This might be a really dumb question, but does anyone have an idea if Bounce anti static dryer sheets could be used to remove static from a model before painting.  Maybe use like a tack cloth?  It's very dry where I live and static is a problem. 

[Mike C.]

That's not a bad idea but I think I would wash with mild (non silicone) detergent and water and allow to dry before painting.

[Painted Black]

I've tried it, could never get it to work!!

[Mark]

I would think the sheet is infused with chemicals that would contaminate the surface of the item being painted.

[NOBLNG]

I have tried a used dryer sheet and have had limited success with it. It may reduce the static somewhat, but not necessarily eliminate it.

[R. Thorne]

While a bit pricey, you might consider the Tamiya cleaning and anti static brush.

[Ace-Garageguy]

14 minutes ago, Mark said:

I would think the sheet is infused with chemicals that would contaminate the surface of the item being painted.

Bingo. Sounds like a recipe for fisheyes.  

[jaymcminn]

1 hour ago, R. Thorne said:

While a bit pricey, you might consider the Tamiya cleaning and anti static brush.

Bingo. Great for cleaning models and works really well for pre-paint dust removal.

[Muncie]

If you run a dryer sheet thru the washing machine it comes out with a much different feel.  There is definitely something on new ones - and I would expect whatever it is to be bad for paint.  New dryer sheets (the cheap really smelly kind) seem to work good keeping rodents out of cars in winter storage if you throw a couple in the interior and under the hood.  

[Ace-Garageguy]

4 minutes ago, Muncie said:

...New dryer sheets (the cheap really smelly kind) seem to work good keeping rodents out of cars in winter storage if you throw a couple in the interior and under the hood.  

Good to know. My feral cats aren't doing such a great job anymore.  

[Phirewriter]

I'm in the sign industry and often have to paint acrylic and and other various plastics. During the winter I use them before painting, however I use sheets with minimal scent and use a light touch. I barely touch the surface and don't need to use it like a tack cloth. As stated above it's not a cure all but does help in particularly cold dry weather.

During this time of year anything to keep surfaces clean of dust is a bonus. We also run wires to ground whatever we're painting if it's feasible which also helps.

Edited January 29, 2022 by Phirewriter

[Keef]

50 minutes ago, Phirewriter said:

I'm in the sign industry and often have to paint acrylic and and other various plastics. During the winter I use them before painting however, I use sheets with minimal scent and use a light touch. I barely touch the surface and don't need to use it like a tack cloth. As stated above it's not a cure all but does help in particularly cold dry weather.

During this time of year anything to keep surfaces clean of dust is a bonus. We also run wires to ground whatever we're painting if it's feasible which also helps.

Wouldn’t happen to work for Worldwide Signs would you? I’m in the sign business as well, I’m a lead installer for a local sign and graphics printing company.

[Phirewriter]

Nope, although I've heard of them. Want to touch bases? Just PM me. I mainly do paint work but am involved most phases of the business where I'm at, although I'm not involved with installation with some exceptions. 

Stronger smelling dryer sheets work nice for removing that wonderful basement perfume that sometimes accompanies older poorly stored books and magazines. I just place a sheet every few pages and let the reading material sit for a few weeks.  Can't say for sure but something in the sheets must kill mildew since I've not had the smell return in any book or magazine I've treated this way.     Also works well for old kit boxes that have that mildewy oder. It's a common problem with collections stored in damp basements, unfortunately.

Edited January 29, 2022 by Phirewriter
Added information

[BubbaBrown]

For model cars I just wash them with Dawn and let air dry. Winter is bad. Ive had to stop painting and let dry and rewash to finish painting. Sounds stupid but it works for me

[peteski]

Many inexpensive hair driers have a negative ion generator built-in.  It ionizes the air coming out pf the air drier, and that is supposed to neutralize static electricity.  So find and buy one of those driers, and blow air from it onto the model before painting.

Same technology is used for electronic rework stations to neutralize static electricity when working on sensitive electronic circuits.

Those are also available on eBay (and probably amazon).  Just look for "anti-static ion fan" or "inoizing air blower".  Since you are only blowing inoized air over the model, there will not be any residue to worry about.

[R. Thorne]

Don’t forget, if you are spraying with a dual pattern airbrush, you have a built in blow gun for that final clean off right before applying paint.

[peteski]

@El Roberto If you still can, I like to suggest changing the Subject of this thread to somethign like  "How to neutralize static electricity before painting the model?", so when looking at the topics list in this forum it clearly indicate what it is about (as this is a very useful discussion).  The "Strange dumb question" subject line is . . .  well . . . dumb.

[JohnU]

Don’t know how to copy the link from my phone but, there’s a thread on this forum 

Using Alcohol and Distilled Water for Static Charge Removal

dated September 20 2014 on this exact subject! Try the google search to get to it. Should answer your question.

[NOBLNG]

11 hours ago, JohnU said:

Don’t know how to copy the link from my phone but, there’s a thread on this forum 

Using Alcohol and Distilled Water for Static Charge Removal

dated September 20 2014 on this exact subject! Try the google search to get to it. Should answer your question.

Here is the link:

 

[El Roberto]

On 1/29/2022 at 5:34 PM, peteski said:

@El Roberto If you still can, I like to suggest changing the Subject of this thread to somethign like  "How to neutralize static electricity before painting the model?", so when looking at the topics list in this forum it clearly indicate what it is about (as this is a very useful discussion).  The "Strange dumb question" subject line is . . .  well . . . dumb.

Thanks for the advice.  

[Dpate]

Tamiya static brush is what you want.  It's pricey, but it's worth it.  It'll last forever if you take care of it.  

[Curt]

I use dryer sheets and swear by them.  It must be a used dryer sheet and I just lightly brush it over the object to be painted, right before I spray it.  It has always worked for me and I used to always get particles in my paint, rarely do anymore.