Hello guys,
Probably this question has been asked before. I would like to know how and with what are you cleaning the PE parts before glueing them and/or painting. Just use dishsoap?
Best regards,

The first thing to remember is not to handle the PE parts themselves too much. The oils in your skin will etch your fingerprints into the brass if not cleaned off. This does not look attractive So hold the frets by the frames.

Cleaning isn't really necessary, but a quick clean with a solvent - like paint remover - should remove any chemical residue left over from etching. Then before gluing I clean up the joining surfaces with a sanding stick.

Where you are going to put complex bends into parts, or roll them into tubes, it helps to heat up the PE with a candle or low gas flame (without melting it!). Then let the part(s) air cool. That should make the metal easier to bend. This should only be necessary with thick PE though.

I second David inputs and also add that you can clean/wash your PE sets with vinigar (cheaper too)!

The heating of PE is only advisable it it isn't too delicate (I am thinking of 1/700 warship PE sets)

Skipper

Skipper

I try to handle PE parts with pair of tweesers, the kind that are normally closed. (There maybe a proper name for them that I don't know of. )
I use a fine sanding stick to clean off the attatment to the PE tree.

try to handle PE parts with pair of tweesers, the kind that are normally closed. (There maybe a proper name for them that I don't know of.

hemostats, a medical tool

reb

They use those for sewing alot too. I know cause my mom's hobby is sewing!

Glass fibre scratch pencil, very gentle, provides a good key and removes the plating.

Jim

Like always, awesome info. Thanks a lot guys. Cheers!