Resin / Isopropyl alcohol reaction?

[Robert Merz]

n/t

 

[vince wai]

Hello Robert,

Have checked with my resin supplier's technical support and was told that resin will not withstand immersing in a solution of alcohol ( or other stronger chemical solutions) for a prolong period of time and will start to break down. However, you can use a brush to gently apply or wash with alcohol.

Also, please check your e-mail

vince

 

[Guy]

I have always used just warm soap and water to clean mold release from figures. Has worked good for years.

 

[KeithP]

Me too. Soap and water only with a gentle tooth brushing followed by a water only rinse.

May be Vince's email explains but, I would not expect a rebound. I think the plasticizers have been leached out by the IPA. At best you can expect minor deformation. The resin will be brittle, too. This actually comes up in my real job.

Sorry for your disaster. Ouch...

Keith

 

[Brad S]

Robert,

I also had that happen. I have cleaned with rubbing alsohol or soap and water many times on resin with no problems except my figure from Alpha Image. It pretty much dissolved all my detail on the figure. It was the boxer rebellion. I did not call Alpha Image, since I had bought the figure some time ago. Probably should have. Just wanted to let you know that you are not alone.

Brad Spelts

 

[vince wai]

Originally posted by btc81504@Dec 22 2004, 09:19 PM
I have cleaned with rubbing alsohol or soap and water many times on resin with no problems except my figure from Alpha Image. It pretty much dissolved all my detail on the figure.
Brad Spelts

Mr Spelt,

Your statement regarding my figures are the only one that will be affected by rubbing alcohol and description as to "all the details are dissolved" compel me to post this reply. I had put a body piece of the boxer and a body of the Japanese Army Officer ( which has the similiar detail as the 24th Officer into a jar of 70% Isopropyl Alcohol ( completely immersed in the solution ) for 8 hours and frankly I don't see any degradation in terms of details. I had wiped it dry with a towel and brushed it hard with a steel wire brush and the details are still there. In the same period of time, I had also put a piece of the Boxer's sword, several piece of other companies' resin pieces into another alcohol solution. What I did find out is that the Boxer's sword did get softened but along I also find section of other companies' pieces of similar thickness gets softened too. This shows the thinner section may not withstand the alcohol solution but is not solely happen to my figures. I always sculpt figures with the scale in mind try matching the details as close to that scale as possible and that's why the section of the sword is quite thin ( instead of as thick as a wood plank in that scale ) but should be strong enough to be handle in reasonable circumstances.

Since I had immersed my figures in an 70% alcohol solution for 8 hours and sees no effects except the thinnest section gets softened ( not detail gone ), I don't see how "all the details are dissolved". As to whether to immerse thin pieces of resin cast piece in a chemical solution for 8 hours or even a more prolonged period of time is a "reasonable action" is totally up to your decision.

vince

 

[PJ Deluhery]

I'm no expert in this area, but I have had resin figures "weep" (a sticky liquid seeps to the surface) even months after painting. I suppose it is possible that your figure was cast from a batch of resin that was either poorly mixed or had the wrong combination of ingredients, thus making it more susceptable to the alcohol. However, despite this, I think it is unfair to point fingers at the manufacturer - especially when they stand behind their work, as Alpha Image does. As the saying goes, "Stuff happens!"

That being said, it is probably unrealsitic to expect anything to survive eight hours in a mild solvent like alcohol without some negative effect. I left a white metal flat in white vinegar overnight and found it pitted the next morning. So, Bob, between you and I, we have plummed the outer limits of what figures can stand in the cleaning process. Others, beware!

Personally, I have cured my compulsive urge to have the figure "absolutely clean" and now use good old soap and water, and sometimes a brief vinegar bath, to take care of surface "scum." Reasonable cleaning plus a good undercoat will go a long way to getting the figure to accept paint.

Happy Painting!

 

[Robert Merz]

n/t

 

[vince wai]

Originally posted by Robert Merz@Dec 26 2004, 11:32 AM

So, if I have somehow angered Mr. Wai, Alpha Image employees, or anyone else for something I have said, please forgive me.

Hello Robert,

First off, I must stress that you had not angered me or anyone related to Alpha Image. I must further stress all the post under the thread are not related to me except my own post . And your withdrawal of membership from Planet Forum based on the circumstances will put me in a burden which is deem unneccessary. It's always good to have a healthy discusion to make things clear.

The only one point I don't agree ( which is not from your post but a following post ) is that my product will have all the detail dissolved. I had done a test myself ( with the Boxer figure immmersed in an 70% alcohol solution for 8 hours ) and is in no way all the details dissolved away.

I think you can understand with our phone conversation that I am just another fellow modeller. Hope you understand guys here are all entitled to their opinions and I personally don't feel you are attacking me. Lets hope you can stay here.

vince

 

[Guy]

I just re-read through the posts and did not construe anyone attacking anybody and I feel this must be a misunderstanding. Robert, your original post was a very valuable posting as it goes out to newcomers to be careful when cleaning a figure as to what they may use. I found it a very valuable tool to pass along to someone new in the hobby. It could of been a Verlinden, or a Michael Roberts figure as well as one of Vince's. Knowing Vince's reputation and the amount of positive feedback I have always seen about he and his company, I knew before he posted, he would offer to replace it.

As far as your hate mail and people saying you don't belong here. You belong here more than they do as I can pretty mush guarentee you have contributed more to the hobby that they have.