Can you recommend a cure for fingerprints on plastic?

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Can you recommend a cure for fingerprints on plastic?

This topic has 11 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 27 February 2022 at 17:21 by DiogenesII.

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26 February 2022 at 14:25 #587328
Donald MacDonald 1
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@donaldmacdonald1
Hello

Can you recommend a cure for fingerprints on plastic?

Background
I have a some specially-textured, black ABS plastic sheet that gives a nice slightly-reflective/satin type of finish on my model. The problem is that it is picking up finger prints very badly. I keep cleaning them off using (e.g. using IPA solvent), but when there is zero oil on the surface it becomes slightly more pale – which I don't want – and moreover it shows up the oil in any fingerprints even worse!

Tentative possible solutions:
A. Fingerprint-proof lacquer or varnish – is that 'a thing'?
B. Furniture polish?
C. Some kind of spray film?
C. A fine layer of silicone oil, like is sometimes applied to latex to get a glossy sheen?

To get clear, I am wanting to create a semi-reflective SATIN finish, rather than a gloss finish.

D
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26 February 2022 at 14:25 #20625
Donald MacDonald 1
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@donaldmacdonald1
26 February 2022 at 16:00 #587334
SillyOldDuffer
Moderator
@sillyoldduffer
Golly, that's an unusual question! Root cause is probably the 'specially-textured, black ABS plastic sheet'. Most surfaces pick up fingerprints but they're rarely so intrusive that an occasional wipe over doesn't control them. Try a different black sheet, perhaps one textured enough to hide fingerprints, or one that's easily cleaned.

It's usual during builds to protect delicate surfaces by masking them or by wearing gloves. Finished models of the display type end up behind glass. Working models are protected by lacquer, paint, bluing, anodizing, wax polish, oiling and regular cleaning. Best to avoid materials that show the dirt!

I think you'll have to experiment.

Dave
26 February 2022 at 16:26 #587339
Donald MacDonald 1
Participant
@donaldmacdonald1
Here is a photo of the material I am using.

Like I say it's a raw, unfinished ABS plastic sheeting. It is quite deeply textured. And as you can see, the oil in fingerprints are making it look much darker.

I suppose a layer of some kind of satin varnish (or lacquer) might do the trick… and should make the whole thing darker, but without making it look glossy. I how wonder what luxury plastic products do….

Donnie

Edited By Donald MacDonald 1 on 26/02/2022 16:28:07
26 February 2022 at 17:01 #587343
Dalboy
Participant
@dalboy
I use Renaissance wax polish but the problem with that is it is a gloss finish but it does work wonders
26 February 2022 at 17:26 #587346
not done it yet
Participant
@notdoneityet
Wear gloves! Prevention is always better than cure!
26 February 2022 at 17:57 #587350
Robert Butler
Participant
@robertbutler92161
Don't handle it

Robert Butler
26 February 2022 at 18:37 #587351
DiogenesII
Participant
@diogenesii
Might be worth trying a 'cockpit care' product, they are after all designed to restore the finish and help prevent fingerprints in freshly-valeted cars..

Wurth do a good one, we also used to use it too put some life back into things like the textured black plastic instrument binnacles on motorbikes..

..trying to think how to explain it – it gives the surface a homogenous 'new' lustre, without being too shiny.

Because it gets rid of the bloom, fingerprints don't show and a wipe with a duster will keep it looking that way until it finally weathers out..

As with all chemicals on plastic, do a test piece first!

Try a 'good' professional one.
26 February 2022 at 18:50 #587356
Dave Halford
Participant
@davehalford22513
Otherwise known as Back to Black which is a silicon oil spray. Also quite useful wiped on the car door seals when the temperatures drop below Zero when it acts a release agent on ice covered seals.
26 February 2022 at 19:22 #587362
Roger Quaintance
Participant
@rogerquaintance14196
amputate at the wrists? I'll get me coat. Ha ha
27 February 2022 at 16:21 #587492
Donald MacDonald 1
Participant
@donaldmacdonald1
Yes, I have been testing silicone oil spray. Although it does work up to a point it, the oil itself kind of smears with fingerprints and over time creeps back out of any small crevices… so you have to keep wiping it down to even the oil out. Not ideal.

So I much prefer the idea of more of a 'wax', than an oil. The problem is that I definitely don't want a high gloss finish, which I fear that Renaissance wax polish would give…

DiogenesII, which version of Wurth spray do you recommend? There seem to be a few…
"Wurth All Purpose Interior Cleaner "
"Wurth Active Glass Cleaner"
Or "Wurth Rubber Care" / "Wurth Silicone Spray" / "Wurth Political, (Anti Hologram plus)" / "Wurth 893140 Industry Cleaner"

Fwiw, I have also discovered some products that are specifically designed to stop fingerprints (even though they seem quite glossy):

e.g. "Flitz Stainless Steel Cleaner"

"WHOOSH! Screen shine"
**LINK**

Anyone tried either of the above?

Don
27 February 2022 at 17:21 #587506
DiogenesII
Participant
@diogenesii
Haha, one of the reasons that I didn't give a link was because I recoiled in horror at their convoluted product-data-web-experience..

?this one

Wurth Cockpit Care Data

probably best bought from somewhere like here – Wurth seem to have gone 'trade only'..

Falcon Workshop Supplies – Ebay store

..not cheap, sorry..
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