Hi all, I recently received my first Shapeways printouts. Based on advice from these boards, I cleaned them in Bestine to remove residual wax (just in case), and then washed them with a soft brush and detergent. After drying, they have taken on an opaque, white color, instead of their original translucent color. Can anyone comment on the significance of this color change? I would have been more comfortable had the material retained its original appearance. In particular, does the color change herald reduced structural strength or reduced paint adhesion? Thanks in advance, Mark H.
I understand that the issue is with the changed composition of the material caused by the Bestine. It may make the shell more brittle if you soak it too long. It should not affect paint adhesion but I do plan to prime my shell even though it is white. My question is, how long do you soak it? I have read anywhere from 15 minutes to four hours.
I've left them soaking in Bestine for a few days to a week with no bad effects. The translucent state of the FUD will not hold paint and it may take a couple weeks for paint to dry so the whiter the better. Randy
As Bestine is not available here in the UK I use Goo Gone. Usually with a 24 hour soak. Often the parts haven't gone opaque strait away but turn over the next day or so. -James
I have just used soap and water, and they still turn white. It does not matter. Prime and paint! Examples of HO scale details I have designed and had printed at shapeways. More examples on my blog, nvrr49.blogspot.com Kent in KC nvrr49@yahoo.com Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free
FUD turns white and opaque after the wax is gone. The change in transparency has nothing to do with any structural change. Bestine (or Heptane) just removes the wax and does nothing to alter the molecular composition of FUD. Anyone who says differently doesn't know what they're talking about. In the UK, you might be able to purchase Heptane (which is not a brand name, but the name of the chemical) or visit an art supply store and ask for rubber cement thinner. Cheerio! Bob Gilmore
Non acetone nail varnish remover does exactly the same job quickly. Just remember any crevices or corners will contain more residue than flat surfaces and may need a bit of agitation with a brush.
i usually give these parts a light shot with my sandblasting gun. same pressure as with the normal airbrush
I had problems with Bestine. Had a model wrap and crack. Soaked for 18 hours do you thick I over did it?
I have had items soaking in Bestine for a couple weeks as I forgot about them. Didn't seem to bother the models at all. I usually try 24 hours for most of my designs, and I have had no issues. I then use some small brushes and files to take off the extra material left behind. A wire brush in my dremel seemed to work on some surfaces. I like the idea of the sandblaster. here is a batch soaking in Bestine: here is a heap of models that I recently purchased. HuskerN www.nscaleaddiction.blogspot.com www.shapways.com/shop/NScaleAddict
