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Looking for help on removing molding lines on plastics battletech miniatures. I just bought the battletech 25th anniversary boxset, 26 models total. 2 are great quality, the others a terrible, The poor quality miniatures have a ton of molding lines, which isn't a problems for me normally, but the plastic seems to be different, let me explain

So I usually file molding lines off with a soft metal file, but when I try to do this to these miniatures the shavings from filing won't come off, The minis have a bunch of plastic shavings on it now that won't come off, I even used a knife, the molding lines are gone but the shavings are still there! help me!

I think I might understand what you are talking about. Get some MEK based model paint, the stuff is smelly and toxic so take the needed precautions. This type of glue usually comes with a applicator brush, take the brush and make sure almost all of the solvent is off of it, then gently paint over the area you want to smooth out. The MEK chemicals will liquefy the plastic and it will be smoothed out by the brush.


Ashton

Are the shavings stuck to the model? I know this may sound stupid but did you try washing them? Are the shavings stuck in one place or when you go to brush them off they move around but don't come off?

You're dealing with a softer plastic. Files don't work on that, and as you have discovered, you will be left with what look like shavings, but is actually abraded plastic surface.

The plastic solvent as mentioned by Redfinger will probably be necessary to smooth out the "shavings" you see. Make sure you get the really watery stuff that is applied with a brush. I like Plastruct "Plastic Weld" General purpose solvent cement. It comes with an orange label and will work on several types of plastic. Avoid the Polystyrene-only version as there is a chance the mechs might not be pure PS.

After you've fixed the "shavings" use a hobby knife with a fresh, sharp blade to trim the flash from the rest of the models.

Just be glad these aren't the box set minis from the 90's, which were even softer and didnt' take plastic glue well at all.

The minis from the box set are soft, poorly molded and generally just crappy. IMO they are good for people who will only play casually, or as a temporary set until you can get the metal versions.

Hey the plastruct stuff worked great on the mechs, really smoothed the surfaces out and removed the shavings, thanks Elllf!

Happy to help!
I'm glad it worked out well for you. Just hope you didn't breath in too many fumes.