I received my first Shapeways models today and need to know if and how I should clean them before assembly and painting. Can I use my ultrasonic cleaner? And for assembly what type of adhesive is recommended? Anything else I need to know? I spent a few $$$ on these and would sure hate to ruin them.
I washed mine with soap and water. It seemed to work. 3D models aren't made in molds so they do not have any kind of mold release agent.
I have done numerous 3D items, (N and HOn30 scales), such as truck frames and body shells. Soak in Bestine. Try at least an hour. Some folks will go as far as overnight. I have seen occasion where leaving a piece in Bestine for an extended period seems to make the item a bit brittle. (Something broke when barely touched... ) Yes, you will need to (GENTLY) hold and (LIGHTLY) scrub them. Try using a VERY soft tooth brush, but do NOT apply heavy pressure while scrubbing. Note: Bestine will "evaporate" very quickly. Do your soaking in a sealed container. Which allows you to gently shake/agitate the contents. Also, cost depends upon source. While it can be found at an art supply, they are usually at the higher end of the spectrum in price.
I have been doing some reading, and both Simple Green cleaner and Dawn dishwashing soap are effective (and in my case, I have at home). I'm going to try that and see how it goes.
Also try Wally World on line. My local Hobby Lobby does not stock it, nor does my Michael's. As I noted earlier, an art supply usually costs more. Often they only sell small (4 ounce) cans.
I have tried detergents such as Dawn. (Which is used to de-grease creatures caught in oil spills, etc.) I have tried a couple of hardware store and commercial automotive de-greasers. None of these did as good a job as did Bestine.
I use a good quality CA. You probably have it already on your work bench, in a couple of viscosities.
I have never tried Bestine before, but it sounds promising: Formulated for thinning rubber cement, Bestine is also a most versatile cleaner. Will clean up inks, spray adhesives, and is an exceptional parts cleaner. Can also be used for removing both decals and labels from all types of surfaces. Bestine does not dissolve most plastics.
Bestine really wasn't "formulated for thinning rubber cement"; it is just a commercial name for n-heptane, a common non-polar organic solvent (C7H16) It does work marvelously for the noted applications
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Best-Test-Quart-Can-Bestine-Solvent-and-Thinner-32-Ounces/25576428 Just for information. The illustration is of a 32 oz can. Buying the 4 ounce cans most art suppliers offer, to acquire same quantity, will set you back in the $40-$50.00 dollar range, or more. So wherever you choose to shop, consider the larger can. And knowing from my experiences this product 'evaporates' quickly, a larger amount at hand is a good thing.... PS- An ADMIN note: As I noted at the beginning, the link I have used is simply for an illustration. Any bashing of the associated source WILL BE DELETED.
Besides cleaning with Bestine (you can also use simple old lighter fluid or naphta - same as drycleaners use - but use in your spraybooth or outside) you have to get rid of the "white fuzzy stuff" (support material residu left behind) you will notice on some surface areas (depending printing orientation). A simple soft toothbrush will help but beware of small details..... Another way to really clean your model is by using an AIR ERASER. Look up previous discussions on THE RAILWIRE or through GOOGLE. Leaves a good clean surface and also diminishes some of the printing layering. If not overdone small detail (rivets) will remain undamaged. Use a good primer before airbrush painting...... Mr. Primer Surfacer 1000 (diluted a bit, airbrushed) is perfect. All CA glues are good. Good luck.
I prefer about 15 minutes in Bestine. Don't do 24 hours or you could dissolve away the whole model. Also, for this "Frosted Detail Material", DO NOT USE ENAMEL PAINT. The material is an acrylic plastic, and oddly, and enamel paint reacts with it in a manner such that the paint will never truly dry. A good acrylic paint will work just fine. Stony http://shpws.me/CsR
If you struggle to get Bestine [not available in the UK] I have always used Non Acetone nail varnish remover, can be bought anywhere cheaply, 30 minute soak then gentle rinse and agitation with a soft toothbrush under the cold tap, I then give it a spray with a vinegar based cleaner, gentle agitation with a soft tooth brush whilst rinsing under cold tap, set aside to dry overnight. Non acetone nail varnish remover re-bottled for reuse next time.
I have a bunch of Denatured alcohol on hand for cleaning resin 3D prints--how effective is it? It's cheap and plentiful, unlike isopropyl alcohol.
