"Styrene Plastic Model Prep and Decals?" Topic

It's been forever since I've assembled any of these, and back in the Dark Ages, I don't recall ever washing any of the model parts to get rid of mold release.

Is that necessary for styrene plastic models, cast in metal molds?

If so, just plain old warm, soapy water?

Also, I'll need to apply a few decals, but don't see the need to spray the whole model in a gloss coat to do that in just a couple of spots, so, perhaps only apply a brush-on gloss-coat to the regions where the decals will go?

Then apply the dullcoat over the whole, painted model, to finish it and protect the paint?

Ditto's advice is very good. Also, YouTube is just awash with Scale Model techniques videos…

Yes,,, Zevzda models have excessive mold release on the plastic. Made the mistake of not washing the parts. This caused the paint on to adhere. And as I sprayed painted the model the paint pooled.

I normally let the plastic air dry over night. Than apply a plastic prep for an extra cleaning.

You can just apply gloss coat over the parts for the decals and yes, it can be brushed on but here's a modeller's technique, get some Johnson's Future floor polish and you can use that instead of the gloss coat. It will actually put down a very thin coat of clear resin where you use it and is an excellent method for seeing that your decals don't silver.

BTW in 50 years of making styrene models I have never washed one and never had a problem but since this may be specific to Zevzda I will differ to those who make a lot of them. I have only built one from that company, a 1/35th scale T34-85, I didn't have a problem with that one but I made that around 15 years ago.

Interesting reading about Zvezda. My experience is similar to jowady's. I've built more than 7000 model kits over the last 28 years(or portions of them in conversions for work)and never found need to wash the parts before starting construction. I do sometimes wash sub-assemblies prior to painting, as they collect dust and whatnot. But, mold release/residue on the plastic is sort of new to me. Good to know about Zvezda.

Thanks for all the info, and details.

Mine are produced by Revell, so not sure if the info would apply to them, or not, leaving them bagged until assembly.

Yes, very good intel on the Zvezda stuff.

My attitude is that while some people say say if do not wash them there can be a problem, I have never heard washing them can cause problems. So I wash them just in case. Only takes a few seconds and dry over night.

"Future" acrylic floor finish (not in any way a wax) has gone through some labeling changes. Do a little research if there is more than one "Pledge" (or the non-USA's equivalents) formulation on the grocery store shelf. Along with the plastic display models it's been used to seal wargaming miniatures' paint jobs for many years. Think how much abuse a floor surface takes. And a matte clear coat can be used on however much of the model/mini needs it to diminish the gloss.

link