Prop dusting

[matthewdu4]

I recently got an old lifesized alien piece from aliens. It was made by distortions unlimited in the early 90s and he looks fantastic but is rather dusty, especially in his ribs and deep crevices. I want to be very cautious not to scratch his paint, and wanted to know if a q-tip could work well or if there’s something else I should use? Thanks!

 

[Captain Dunsel]

Compressed air is what I recommend…even a basic air can used to clean one’s lunch from one’s keyboard would do.

 

[joberg]

Compressed air is what I recommend…even a basic air can used to clean one’s lunch from one’s keyboard would due.

Depends on the paint/finish. Usually, basic air works...but, personal experience here: I've done it on a piece of fiberglass and I was removing flakes of the original paint with the air I've done it numerous time on other prop/models, making sure to use the small tube/straw that comes with the can, respecting the distance between said prop/model...and no problem
Seeing that this particular piece's finish wasn't stable enough, I used a large make-up brush to dust it. Works like a charm.

 

[matthewdu4]

Depends on the paint/finish. Usually, basic air works...but, personal experience here: I've done it on a piece of fiberglass and I was removing flakes of the original paint with the air I've done it numerous time on other prop/models, making sure to use the small tube/straw that comes with the can, respecting the distance between said prop/model...and no problem
Seeing that this particular piece's finish wasn't stable enough, I used a large make-up brush to dust it. Works like a charm.

These techniques worked wonderfully my alien is now glistening

 

[TazMan2000]

A caveat. Canned air products, despite the retail names, do not contain air, but hydrocarbons and fluorocarbons. Some contain tetrafluoroethane, which is a refrigerant chemical. They are convenient, but are meant for electronic parts cleaning and may cause chemical, or physical damage to non-electronic items, paint, plastics and other material.

Use pressurized air from a compressor when in doubt. Besides, its much more friendlier to the environment and will not cause damage to the ozone layer.

TazMan2000

 

[Captain Dunsel]

A caveat. Canned air products, despite the retail names, do not contain air, but hydrocarbons and fluorocarbons. Some contain tetrafluoroethane, which is a refrigerant chemical. They are convenient, but are meant for electronic parts cleaning and may cause chemical, or physical damage to non-electronic items, paint, plastics and other material.

Use pressurized air from a compressor when in doubt. Besides, its much more friendlier to the environment and will not cause damage to the ozone layer.

TazMan2000

I must agree…

I must confess my shame. Me, of all people, to do anything to damage my precious Ozone…

 

[TazMan2000]

I must agree…

I must confess my shame. Me, of all people, to do anything to damage my precious Ozone…


View attachment 1800099

You may want to bring that point up at your next Flat Earth Society meeting.

TazMan2000

 

[p51]

Get the softest artist paintbrush you can find for this. It'd work fine.

 

[OzReturner]

All I can think of is walking by props while gassy. Props + crop dusting = prop dusting

 

[kevin926]

W

All I can think of is walking by props while gassy. Props + crop dusting = prop dusting

Was just thinking the same thing. Crop dusting--more fun than prop dusting for sure.

I like compressed air as well. Sometimes cheap paint brushes have really soft bristles and they come in handy as well. And finally , sometimes the combination of air and brushing depending on the amount of dust or how long it sat there.

 

[Astyanax]

I use this hybrid of a brush and blower:



It doesn't blow quite so hard as canned air or compressor air, and the bristles are pretty soft. Has three speeds, too!

Just search "air duster" on Amazon.

 

[kevin926]

I use this hybrid of a brush and blower:

View attachment 1800353 View attachment 1800354

It doesn't blow quite so hard as canned air or compressor air, and the bristles are pretty soft. Has three speeds, too!

Just search "air duster" on Amazon.

how does it work--batteries??

 

[Astyanax]

how does it work--batteries??

It's a rechargeable battery with a USB port for charging. I've never run it down while in use.

Mine also has a small LED light for the target area.