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Better cotton swabs?


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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 by RedHeadKevin
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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.

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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.

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