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Stains on Sails

Fletch Dog

Fletch Dog

Joined
Feb 3, 2022
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Location
Big Lake - MI
I’m very frustrated! I accidentally ( like who would every do this on purpose) spattered wood stain on the sails of an almost complete build.

Does anyone have any ideas? Or is that the price I pay for dumb?
 
Dilute the with copious amounts of mineral spirits of some other effective solvent using a cotton ball, and pull out the stain after it loosens (while still wet) by carefully dabbing with dry terry cloth. This may take 2 or three applications of solvent. The stains will not be totally gone, but the sail will look weathered. Stains on sails are normal and if diluted and subtle, can add realism. The idea is to remove as much as possible. You just don't want too much contrast, such as happened with your accident. At least it doesn't look like this:

HMS Victory's fore topsail, removed after the battle of Trafalger
1721562642659.png

Question: What does the front of your shirt look like? :D;)
 
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If you have a 'mom and pop' dry cleaning shop take it in there- and take the stain with you so they know what the base solvent in it is. They should know what would work better than almost anyone.
 
Hi Alan - Thanks for the reply. I have all the running rigging installed as well as reef lines in. At this point it’s just too much work. I did try the mineral spirits as suggested. That did nothing. Most of it is pin head size. I may just live wit it and learn to be more careful next time around. Thanks.
 
Perhaps mineral spirits is the wrong type of solvent? If you have some of that stain, learn what type of fluid will cut it. Perhaps xylene, distilled alcohol, or acetone may work. You'll get it eventually.
 
The usual go-to for difficult stuff is dichloromethane - use it outside only. Horrible stuff but very effective. Failing that -Zippo fuel.
 
Decision: As everyone, I strive for perfection and look (critically) at all the details seeing all the imperfections. Most likely I will be the only one that looks at it sees the spots along with other errors. The ship has enough detail for the untrained eye to look at the spots won’t stand out. I see them, but I have bright lights behind it as I build it. This exaggerates the spots.

I’m just going to live with it (painfully) and never be this dumb again.

Thanks for the suggestions. As always they are greatly appreciated. Here’s the whole ship almost complete:

IMG_1349.jpeg
 
There's a paint and hardware store staple product called "Goof-off." It's a very effective solvent for any paint, varnish, or stain, whether water- or solvent-based. It's actually made for use by professional painters to clean up splatters just like that which end up on adjacent surfaces. (It's also an excellent brush cleaner for small artist's brushes.)

Failing that, you might try mixing some relatively thick paint in a color that matches the sail and placing a very small dot of paint on the stained spots. This should at least minimize the dark spots and the repair wouldn't be noticed by anybody but you thereafter.

Welcome to the club! You're not allowed to call yourself an experienced ship modeler until you've had your first major screw-up. ;)
 
Thanks. I'm afraid Good off may leave an oil mark. I'll try it on a test piece. I've thought of paint but once I do that the results will be what they are. Thus, I'm a little reluctant?

In the mistake area I've had more than what I can count. Usually its something I can rebuild.

Thanks
 
First, looking at the picture of the whole model I do not see the stains…maybe in the long run that will actually be the case for you and those admiring your excellent modeling. If the spots really keep you awake at night and are driving you to drink go all in…brush on a weathering agent like strong tea…personally, I would leave it alone…
 
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