Painting Question

[chasracer]

When I paint 1:1 cars, Wax & Grease remover is my number one friend. I was wondering if anyone used it on model plastic and if there were any issues doing so?

[peteski]

No need to go to such extremes. Not sure what chemicals are in the stuff you use, but they might actually damage polystyrene.

Gentle sanding of the model's body, then a gentle wash with warm water and a good dish-washing detergent (like Dawn, Joy, etc.) will be more than adequate for body prep. If you really worry you can use some isopropyl alcohol.  Some water-based acrylic paint companies sell paint prep solutions, but they are rather pricey and not really needed.  Detergent will remove all dirt and oil.

I wash the car bodies in my kitchen sink using cheap soft paint brush and Joy. Then rinse it well, and blow-dry using compressed air.  I suppose the water could be shaken off the model, then air dry. I don't use a towel because that might deposit some lint on the model.

[Plowboy]

I wouldn't use wax and grease remover on a model. Another bad idea is using a tack cloth. I wash the bodies and parts with Dawn and an old tooth brush, shake off what I can and dry with a hair dryer. Then I'll take a loop of blue painters tape with the sticky side out and dab the body with it. 

[Dave G.]

I simply wipe down my bodies with a paper towel wet with odorless mineral spirits. Sometimes I scuff the model with a 2500, 3000 or  3500 grit 2x2 soft touch mesh pad depending on the body. I used  alcohol for the wipe down for a while but since switching to Stynylrez primer for whatever reason it goes better with the mineral spirits, so I switched back to that..  I give the model a quick wipe down with tissues but then blow it off immediately before painting anyway.No tack cloth just air. Resin bodies need the dish soap imo. Nothing wrong with dish soap anyway, I just been doing it this way basically forever with styrene.

[Rick L]

I’ve used pPg only as a necessity and had no issues with its wax and grease remover on styrene but I agree with the guys on this discussion. Not all solvents are the same. Good old soap and water is the most economical solution on the release agents used. You don’t need glove protection and you’ll keep your hands oh so baby soft.?