[oops] My layout room is carpeted. Although not a high quality carpet, I would still like to see if anyone knows a way to safely remove a couple blobs of fully cured hydrocal and sculptamold drops that somehow missed the dropcloths I had down while doing scenery work. I know I can’t be the only one who is less than careful at times! The carpet is short fiber as opposed to a deep pile or shag. Thanks in advance!
Matt
LOL I just did the same exact thing. I got a wire brush and just scraped it off until it finally flaked off. I have older carpet though.
I’d bang on the plaster with a hammer while removing the bits that fly off with a vacuum cleaner. That will get rid of most of the volume of plaster. Wet a paper towel and place it on top of the remaining bits that are adhering to the carpet, to soften it up. You should be able to get the rest off with a moist toothbrush, but some stubborn bits can be scraped off with a fingernail.
After you remove the bulk of it as others have suggested, use a steam carpet cleaner to remove the residue and restore the carpet. That will work but only if the bulk of the “plaster” is removed and (wire) brushed off first.
There is expensive carpet in my trainroom and that’s the main reason I went with foam. I am meticulous with the use of drop cloths and put down plywood when soldering feeders.
I have saved many a husband and children from “certain uncertainty’s”[:D] with this little trick I learned years ago. After removing as much of the offending substance, carefully cut out the rest with small sharp scissors or a Exacto Knife. If you are careful, you will not notice some of the pile has been cut out. Also do not rub as it may spread the foreign material around. Just dab and pick it out.
Good luck! From someone who as a kid, use to build and paint R/C airplanes in his carpeted bedroom. [:O]
Brent
Thanks for all the tips guys! I"ll try some of these ideas soon!
Matt
I have the best cure all, and all the plaster will be gone… New carpet[(-D] My wife would love that
I was going to suggest soaking it with water to soften it up and a stiff bristle brush but i have to say the hammer idea sounds mighty appealing, just don’t swing too high and whack the layout or your head.