Removing mold lines off plastic mini's

[cram]

I usually work with metal miniatures, but have recently been buying a few box sets of plastics.

I was wondering how everyone goes about cleaning up their plastic ready for painting?

For removing mold lines I use a scalpel, but during the process of scraping these off I end up with little bits of shavings left on the fig where I've been scraping away! These are a real pain and removing them adds far more time to cleaning up the miniature than with metal.

Can anyone give advice on how to avoid these 'shavings'??

Many thanks.

[Captain Blood]

Scalpel to remove the obvious mould lines, as you are doing, then use an old paintbrush to brush away all the tiny little flakes, shavings and 'cling-ons'. Then use a liberal application of liquid poly cement on an old, fine point brush, and simply brush away any residual mould lines and bits. The liquid poly cement just smooths and 'disappears' them. Like magic 

[cram]

Sounds interesting! Thanks.

I've switched to cleaning up with a small round file this evening. Getting much better results than with the scalpel.

[Andrew Rae]

I used a scalpel or file as appropriate, with a final polish using a nail buffer block. This helps remove the shavings.

The buffers are great for metal casting too. They're the white rectangular things available cheaply on eBay and amazon.

[redzed]

Scalpel to remove the obvious mould lines, as you are doing, then use an old paintbrush to brush away all the tiny little flakes, shavings and 'cling-ons'. Then use a liberal application of liquid poly cement on an old, fine point brush, and simply brush away any residual mould lines and bits. The liquid poly cement just smooths and 'disappears' them. Like magic  

this in spades ;-)


I use this stuff as it it evaporates quck and has less fumes.

[AKULA]

Plastic Weld for the win.

 

[cram]

Just ordered some plastic weld 

Nail buffer does help too.

Thanks.

[Orctrader]

Scalpel to remove the obvious mould lines, as you are doing, then use an old paintbrush to brush away all the tiny little flakes, shavings and 'cling-ons'. Then use a liberal application of liquid poly cement on an old, fine point brush, and simply brush away any residual mould lines and bits. The liquid poly cement just smooths and 'disappears' them. Like magic 

I copied what the Captain said.