Preparing Your Modeling Pieces

Trees

Most modeling pieces come in trees.  If you think of the specific modeling piece as a leaf it is attached to a tree trunk via a branch.  Most modeling trees are numbers so they can be easily referred to in the instructions.

Preparing Your Trees

Most plastic pieces are coated in a light film of oil during the manufacturing process.  This oil servers two purposes, it allows for easy removal from the mold and it prevents the plastic from drying out before use.  However, this oil makes it difficult to get a good finish on the model when assembled and painted.  To properly remove the oil we suggest the following practice the night before.

  1. prepare a warm bath of soapy water (wash).
  2. prepare a warm bath of water (rinse).
  3. run the various trees that you will be working with through the wash bath then the rinse bath. 
  4. place on a towel and allow to air dry completely over night.

The next day you will be able to use the pieces and it will be easier to produce a clean paint job.