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Pre cleaning Photo Etch
 
Most types of photo etch on the market today will come with slight amounts of residue still on them from the etching process. This must be removed before applying to the model; or else problems will arise in two areas. The first is when using your preferred brand of CA or superglue to attach parts to your model and the second is the paint failing to adhere properly or in some cases blistering as it sets. A simple two-stage process that takes no longer than fifteen minutes and will give guaranteed results could easily rectify this.
 
Firstly immerse the photo etch in a hot soapy water solution using a pair of tweezers. Then gently move the p/etch through the water ensuring that both sides are washed.
Rinse under a running tap to remove any soap residue. Next place the p/etch in a bath of white vinegar, making sure that you use a plastic or ceramic container and not a metal one. Be aware, that the thickness of p/etch will determine the length of time that it can be immersed in the vinegar. For the finer types of railing I would recommend no more than one minute. The vinegar slightly etches the p/etch and makes for greater adhesion of the paint when applied.
 
The final step is to rinse with fresh water and air dry, never be tempted to use a paper towel or anything similar, as small particles of fibre with adhere to the p/etch. An oven can greatly speed this process up, but please ensure that the oven is only warmed up then switched off before placing the p/etch inside to dry. I use a small set of self-closing tweezers or wooden pegs to help make the p/etch stand on its side. Finally cut a piece of grease proof or silicon paper and wrap around the p/etch to keep it free from the natural oils that are present in your finger tips.