Some more helpful tips for our diecast collections

I thought I would add a little extra to Diecastgenies post I hope this helps.

Orange Peel 

As the name implies the surface looks like the skin of an orange. Short of vigorous polishing and surface sanding, there is no much you can do about this.  Gloss paint sprayed on a smooth surface (such as the body of a car) should also dry into a smooth surface. However, various factors can cause it to dry into a bumpy surface resembling the texture of an orange. The orange peel phenomenon can then be smoothed out with ultra-fine sandpaper, but it can be prevented altogether by changing the painting technique or the materials used. Orange peel is typically the result of improper painting technique, and is caused by the quick evaporation of paint thinner, incorrect spray gun setup (e.g., low air pressure or incorrect nozzle), spraying the paint at an angle other than perpendicular, or applying excessive paint. On a new model, this defect is worthy of sending back to the manufacturer.

Dirt

Dirt in the paint sometimes can be removed with a super-fine wet grit sandpaper, and some liquid polish. The problem is determining where the dust or dirt is in the layer. If the dust is close to the surface, simply place your sandpaper (12000 grit wet should be used) over the dust and lightly sand the dust particle (one pass should do it) it will have a slight haze to it from sanding . Use the liquid polish to buff it out to a nice shine and then wax.  For dust that is under several layers keep lightly sanding until you have removed the particles and polish & wax. 

If you display your diecast and they have been exposed to the elements and have been covered with several layers of dust or may have some grease, first take a brush and dust off as much of the loose particles you can.  Mix a little Dawn Dish Detergent in water, take a q-tip and clean off the stuck on dust or grease, take another q-tip dipped in clean water and rinse off, repeat if necessary.  Once you have removed all the dirt from your diecast dry it off as much as possible, set aside and let it completely dry (overnight would be best), then polish and wax to make it look like new.  If you like you can spray a little new car smell on the interior of the car to get the full effect...  LMAO

Chips

If you purchased a new model and you removed it from it's package and noticed it had chips on it, you should take it back to the store or contact the manufacturer and see if they will send you a new one.  If you have a rare model or an older discontinued issue, you can repair the chip easily. Most Hobby shops carry disposable touch up brushes in a wide assortment of colors. These are great for small jobs. It also gives you a chance to play with mixing colors.

Edge Pooling

This is most commonly seen with light colored metallic paints. You can repair this if you have patience and a light hand. Using Meguiar's Medium Cut Metal Polish you can gently buff down the high paint spots.  Caution: You will cut to the metal if you are too aggressive with the buffing.

Surface scratches

These vary from the light haze you find on a black car to deep scratches. The light haze type defects can be buffed out with a glaze and wax application. You must be sure to use a soft cotton cloth and light pressure. Soft paint & a heavy hand will only add more surface scratches. Deep scratches can be touched up with paint and blended in with polish, glaze and wax. You will need to carefully color match the paint and level it with the polish. You can attempt to repair some scratches with Meguiar’s Scratch-X. I have removed surface & deep scratches from some diecast, as well as package & jewel case scuffing with Scratch-X. It also helps with models that are just starting to show surface irregularities.