Cleaning plastic parts prior to painting

[waltsar]

I'm at the point in the build of my 1:350 kitbashed USS America CVA66. I know it's recommended to wash everything in warm water with a detergent. But, there are so many small and delicate parts I'm worried about damage and loss of these parts.

I have an idea I'd like to run past you guys. How about making up a mixture of warm water and detergent and airbrushing it onto the model using a heavy spray setting. It would probably take many passes to dissolve the oil and mold release. And last spraying it with distilled water as a rinse and let it all air dry for a couple of days.

All opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Walt

[drasticplastic]

Most dish detergents will easily cut through grease and oils (just watch any detergent TV commercials). Place your sprues in a container big enough to hold them, add some water and liquid detergent and let soak. A few hours should be more than enough. Let the sprues drip-dry on towels so as not to damage small and fragile parts.

[spejic]

I brush the model with rubbing alcohol, which tries pretty quick.