RedHeadKevin Posted March 29, 2020 Share Posted March 29, 2020 (edited) As modelers, we use cotton swabs quite a bit. But if I'm using them to soak up excess wash, or absorb water from a decal, they leave nearly microscopic cotton fibers behind, and they look terrible. So I'm trying to find a good alternative/replacement for really, these two purposes. Is there an absorbent "cotton swab" that will absorb water, but not leave fibers? Sort of a "lint-free" cotton swab? But here's the catch: It should be more durable than just foam. Or should i just start using the corner of a paper towel? Edited March 29, 2020 by RedHeadKevin spelling Quote Link to post Share on other sites
habu2 Posted March 29, 2020 Share Posted March 29, 2020 There are synthetic (nylon?) swabs out there, I see them sometimes in hospital labs. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ReccePhreak Posted March 29, 2020 Share Posted March 29, 2020 (edited) I use these: https://www.puritanmedproducts.com/25-806-pd.html And these: https://www.puritanmedproducts.com/25-806-pr.html Edited March 29, 2020 by ReccePhreak Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dnl42 Posted March 29, 2020 Share Posted March 29, 2020 Foam-tipped swabs are used when cotton threads cannot be tolerated https://www.amazon.com/Lab-Swabs/b?node=2620830011 And for cosmetics https://www.amazon.com/Swabs-Foam-Keyboards-Cosmetics-Cleaning/dp/B004Q2C0MO Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mstor Posted March 30, 2020 Share Posted March 30, 2020 Tamiya makes a line of cotton swabs that are much more tightly wound and do not fray as easily. https://www.tamiya.com/english/products/87103_107swab/index.htm I've seen various of these for sale at online hobby stores like Sprue Brothers, on Amazon, and many others. I use the pointy ones often for manipulate oil paint washes or soak up liquids in small amounts with great accuracy. Plus they're definitely cheaper than getting the sterile swabs. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
is it windy yet? Posted March 30, 2020 Share Posted March 30, 2020 I also find that cheap dollar store cotton swabs are sometime better for modelling than the expensive home care brands. The dollar store ones have a lot less cotton and leave behind a lot less fibres. The tamiya and mr hobby ones are great too, just really pricey. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
airmechaja Posted March 30, 2020 Share Posted March 30, 2020 Another vote for foam tipped swabs. Very reuseable also. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BaconRaygun Posted March 30, 2020 Share Posted March 30, 2020 Microfiber rags.... for automotive care. They are made of spun nylon, so they are non-reactive. The cotton fibers don't really bother me all too much. Just wipe them away with some microfiber! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mstor Posted March 31, 2020 Share Posted March 31, 2020 10 hours ago, BaconRaygun said: Microfiber rags.... for automotive care. They are made of spun nylon, so they are non-reactive. The cotton fibers don't really bother me all too much. Just wipe them away with some microfiber! I forgot about those. I have a package of anti-static microfiber cloths. I use the to wipe down the kit before airbrushing. Does a pretty good job of picking up dust and fibers. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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