Keeping Lego scenes dust-free?

[dhaas06]

Though I haven't posted much at all (this is my first new topic), I spend a lot of time regularly browsing around Eurobricks. One thing that I haven't seen mentioned much (forgive me if I'm wrong) is the inevitable enemy to all displayed Lego models: dust! I'm wondering how other AFOLs keep their models dust-free, especially large scenes and town layouts. Any secret methods out there? Thanks!

[Captain Zuloo]

A good question, and for it I have a good answer. Or at least I think so.

The best thing I've found is the Go Duster. I like it because it works really well, and the only thing it knocks over is minifigs on one leg. But it should answer all of your problems LEGO wise, and it makes dusting around the house waaaaaaaay easier too.

I hope this helps.

[dhaas06]

Wow, that actually looks really promising! I think I might look into that. And if the minifigs on one leg are the only casualties, then that's what they get for being so reckless! Thanks Captain Zuloo.

Edited November 14, 2008 by dhaas06

[Captain Zuloo]

I'm glad I could be of assistance. I would use the small brush for LEGO. Let me know how it turns out.

[timbutnice]

I use an ostrich feather duster from a local market (costs less than £5). The feathers are very long (over a foot) and very soft, yet quite thick. This makes it ideal as it gets most of the dust off without removing any pieces (even if you are quite vigourous).

I say most as it won't get off any dust that has been there for years - think of thin layer between the bricks and the 'regular' dust. The only way I (there are probably loads of different ways out there) clean those is to use something a bit stiffer like a camera lens brush (that has an air bladder in it), but that tends to involve taking things to pieces.

I did try washing my lego once years ago, but all it gave me was a drying problem!

cheers,

timbutnice

[takuto20]

I noticed a trick in some Lego stores: They keep scenes inside a transparent urn (duh!). But the trick is not that: They also put a little glass with water inside. It keeps the scenes dust free, don't ask me why.

[indyj19]

I have a "blower" of sorts

think compressed air in a can but you plug it in and instead of a vacuum it blows dust away it is designed for computers and works to keep most dust at bay

but that go duster thing looks neat

[brickzone]

I use a soft flat 1" artist's paintbrush to manually dust models. However, around here at least, they are pretty pricey, about €20. That's probably just "rip-off Ireland" though. The one I'm using is a bit worn for painting, and was bought some time back by a sibling who isn't using it anymore.

It's not entirely satisfactory for large flat areas of studs (e.g. plates) - one has to dust horizontal, vertical and both diagonals to shift most of the dust from around the studs, but it works a treat for smooth surfaces, 1-2 wide ledges/wall tops, crevices, etc. Handy for careful dusting of minifigs and small parts too.

[dhaas06]

I'm glad I could be of assistance. I would use the small brush for LEGO. Let me know how it turns out.

Well, I ordered one off eBay last night, $9.99 USD with free shipping! I look forward to seeing how it works.

I noticed a trick in some Lego stores: They keep scenes inside a transparent urn (duh!). But the trick is not that: They also put a little glass with water inside. It keeps the scenes dust free, don't ask me why.

That's intriguing!

All of these ideas are great, certainly a lot better than using a cloth. Thanks!

[ProducePrincess]

I'd go for a wet paper towel for walls and snot mocs ,it works pretty well for me but the real question is how do you keep spiders from making webbs on your creations, that plus the dust is afwful to get rid of