There are a couple of freight cars on the layout that have been sitting there for years collecting dust. Every once in awhile I use a super fine bristle paint brush and clean off the majority of the dust, but it does not get all of it. The two cars in question are both narrow gauge. They have very fine parts, are built and painted, but not lettered. How would you go about carefully cleaning them if you decided to decal and clear coat them? The dust needs to all be removed, but I do not want to break anything. I have thought about soaking them in warm, soapy water and rinsing them, but our country tap water leaves a tiny bit of white residue on glasses if they air dry after washing. Any ideas are appreciated.
If you go the route of washing with soap and water, you can always do a final rinse with distilled water. I buy the gallon jugs for same when rinsing brass before painting.
If you do not want to get the model wet, you might try a shaving brush with animal hair bristles. Rich
A remnant of my time in the printing business is a dust removing brush from the pre press area. It has super soft bristles and a negative or positive charge to pick up dust, lint, etc. Even that will not get everything off. If you decal and clear coat a model without thoroughly cleaning it, the clear coat will look rough.
