What is the best way to clean white metal castings?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I have been using dish detergent, warm water and a brush, but I can’t honestly say that this really cleans off the grease and what ever other compounds are on the surface of these white metal bits. What do you all do to prepare these things prior to painting?

2

Soak them in white vinegar after you scrub them, that usually helps. And I’ve been told that it helps the paint adhere better too.

3

vinegar try catsup

K

4

The vinegar etches the metal. I soak plated brass car side in white vinegar overnight. The first time I did this it was in a baking pan and it left “shadows” of the car sides in the bottom of the pan.

5

try mild soap and water. That should remove most oils and leave a clean surface for the paint. Make sure that you rinse the soap off.

6

Vinegar is the way to go.

7

I wash with warm soapy water and an old toothbrush, then soak in vinegar for a few minutes. Be sure to wa***he vinegar off and don’t touch the parts with your bare hands.

8

Thanks guys, the vinegar step is not one I have tried before. I have a box of detail parts I want to paint this weekend so will be sneaking around in the kitchen cabinets looking for the vital ingredient.[:-,]