Clean up!

Technically speaking, this is a painting party. However, a lot of participants are still deep in the prepping and priming phase. 

photo by Kammie Fenwick

That's fine. We all know that a quality prep job is an important part of the finished project. This is not a stage that should be rushed.

photo by Sammi Mcgrew

Today's quick tip is about a part of the prepwork that's often overlooked: the pre-primer bath.

photos by Amanda Bowe

All models should be thoroughly cleaned prior to priming. This removes the skin oils and other grime that will prevent the paint from adhering properly. This is especially important for resins because of the mold release spray used during the casting process.

photo by Maddie Miller

This is typically done with Comet, Ajax or a similar abrasive cleaner applied wet with a toothbrush.

photo by Anne Field

International Model Horse Painting Party staff member and model horse artist extraordinaire, Melanie Miller has found a better way.

She writes: For those of us still prepping our models, I have a couple tips! Barkeepers Friend is hands down the best at getting mold release and any other accumulated oils and such off the surface of your model. The bottles are more convenient than mixing up the powdered version with water, and I think it might work a tad faster too. Also, instead of just using a toothbrush, a nail brush will make quick work of large areas! You can go in and touch up any tricky spots that are still repelling water with the toothbrush after the first scrub.

Thank you so much, Mel. I'll definitely pick up some Barkeeper's Friend next time I'm at the hardware store!