I'm sure this has been discussed before but what is the best way to go about cleaning fingerprints from your trains without causing scratches or ruining the paint? Thanks.
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You may have to provide a little more information. Is it dirt or are they finger prints on metal or chrome surfaces?
Usually I stick with a soft artist brush and Palmolive soap. Anything more aggressive is a bit risky.
For those especially shinny/polished passenger cars, I wear white cotton gloves, i.e. NO FINGER PRINTS.
Thanks for replying. One is a gold MTH millenium set which is platinum plated highlights/die cast the other is aluminum bodied Empire State express.
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For the Aluminum bodied Empire State Express I would use the Palmolive soap and nothing more to aggressive. I have had great success with it..
Not sure about the gold plated MTH cars.
Use a micro-fiber cloth that you find for cleaning glasses. Don't use any solution or detergent. Just wipe and polish. Wear gloves to keep the piece free of more fingerprints. This will take the skin oils off.
George
Thanks George - do you recommend soap and warm water or not necessary at first?
I used it on my tinplate and on chromed plastic. I used a dry micro-fiber cloth. I would not use water or soap if you can avoid it. If you need it, you might try a little spray wax applied with a cotton cloth, then polish with the micro-fiber cloth.
MegaSteam B-Gone and a soft cloth.
My micro-fiber cloth did one thing that I could not accomplish with an ordinary soft cloth. I had some dust get in the corner of a ridge on my tinplate reefer roof. I could not get that dust out, but the micro-fiber cloth did the trick. It also removed the finger prints and left a nice shine. For the gold plate and the aluminum cars, this should work well.
If you have something with enamel paint, like tinplate, then there are some polishes that work well, too. I started using TR3 Resin Glaze to bring back the shine on older painted trains. It removes oxidation and leaves a protective finish as well.
The MegaSteam B-Gone sounds interesting, especially for plastic, but I have not used it.
Thanks for mentioning us...Fingerprints, smudges, dust, etc., can easily and safely be removed from your trains...both metal and plastic with our special train cleaner called "b-Gone." It originally was designed for cleaning smoke fluid spills from the trains. (From time to time...we all have those!) While we were at it, we designed this special cleaner to clean most issues with model trains. It is proven and tested by many customers to be safe on metal and plastic; will not harm the paint; will not harm decals; cleans dust and railroad fallout! Comes in a green bottle and is environmentally safe to you and your trains! Simply apply the solution with our spray bottle to a soft cloth (we suggest those blue shop towels that Wally World sells) sightly wipe the area and the fingerprints and/or smudges are gone..."b-Gone."
Mega-Steam: Proudly Made here in the U.S.A.!
My first approach has always been a soft dry cleaning article, such as a paper towel (as long as it's soft and won't scratch - I use Bounty), cotton ball, or q-tip.
-Dave
What George S says. The micro fiber cloth, all on it's own, will pick up greasy finger prints rather than smear them around. Try it on your glasses for proof. It also captures and removes dust, especially in tight corners, counteracting any static electricity that might be present.
Bruce
I purchased a micro fiber cloth via amazons glowing reviews for a product called MagicFiber, and I'm frustrated to say this cloth added more tiny scratches to the shiny aluminum cars and seemed to create more smudges. Is there a specific brand any of you recommend? Any recommendation for tiny scratches? Good intentions went wrong :/
This is the product you are looking for. It's simple and works great. All you need is a soft clean cloth and you're good to go.
The prints are oil. Use b-Gone and little to no pressure on a soft cloth or cotton ball.
In the watch business we used Rodico by Bergeron to remove fingerprints and dust from the movement, dial and inside the crystal. Rodico is like silly putty and can be shaped for hard to reach areas. You can find it on Amazom for about $13. Keep it wrapped in plastic and it will last for years.
mwax516 posted:I purchased a micro fiber cloth via amazons glowing reviews for a product called MagicFiber, and I'm frustrated to say this cloth added more tiny scratches to the shiny aluminum cars and seemed to create more smudges. Is there a specific brand any of you recommend? Any recommendation for tiny scratches? Good intentions went wrong :/
I should have been more specific. I am sorry you had a problem. I realized this weekend there are several types of microfiber cloths. I used one with very fine/smooth fabric. It came with a Zagg screen protector for an iPhone. It is the same cloth you find in eyeglass cleaning kits. I have seen the more towel-like micro fiber cloths. Is that what you bought? I did not use those.
If you are getting scratches, you may need a little wax or polish.
Again, folks are recommending the b-gone. I would try that for just finger prints, but I haven't used it.
George
Mega-Steam posted:While we were at it, we designed this special cleaner to clean most issues with model trains.
So, what (at a general level) is in b-Gone?
So, what (at a general level) is in b-Gone?
Our "b-Gone" is composed of a special proprietary formula that took 2 years to develop at the request of many customers who found that they needed a product to safely clean smoke fluid spills from their locomotives. The composition is entirely free of harsh or abrasive chemicals and is environmentally safe. (It even comes in a green spray bottle). It is also safe on all types of locomotive shells...metal and plastic and will not harm decals or paint when used as directed. Through our testing and development stages, it was found to do the job with several hobbyists who provided very positive feedback with its cleaning properties of removing smoke fluid spills, smudges, and finger prints from both locomotives and rolling stock. It has been on the market for over 2 years with no complaints and feedback from only very satisfied customers. We aim to please.
JT's Mega-Steam, LLC/ www.megasteam.com
Proudly "Made in the U.S.A!"
