CSI crime scene : Fingerprints

[DerXL]

Hi.

I've been pondering over this for some time now and the moment that I am going to finish one of my recent builds is coming very near, so I need some advice.

How do you guys (and girls) handle your finished models without getting fingerprints all over them ?

I have been out of the hobby for 15 years and have returned to it this year (in part thanks to this great forum).
My older models haven't been clearcoated or waxed so maybe the problem lies there. But I have to take the utmost care in handling those models to prevent leaving my fingerprints all over them.

If I clear the model or rub it with compound and wax will the model be more resistant to fingerprints or should I still be very careful picking it up ?

Then there's the other problem.
The paintjob on the Jag is nearly finished. I have to sand out a bit of dust that's been trapped in the final layer of paint.
I already read that wetsanding with 3200 grit paper (or something around that mark) is the way to go. But the paint will get a bit dull or flat at the sanded spots.
I'm really a noob concerning this, but will compound and wax give me a nice shine, also on the spots that have been sanded ?
Or should I put gloss clear on it first and than use compound and wax to prevent dull spots ?

Any advice would be very much appreciated.

[willimo]

Usually for me, if the paint is fully cured, the model will be pretty resistant to getting fingerprints, and if it gets any, I can easily wipe them off with a soft rag and a little rubbing. That, and I always handle my models with clean hands.

After dulling the paint by sanding out the dust, a polishing compound will revive the shine, perhaps better than the surrounding, untouched paint. And wax, well, that's up to you. Some love it, some don't.

[NOMADGAMER]

the only thing i can think of are the white cotton gloves the framers use in craft stores. i use them for display boards so we dont get fingerprints on the displays that the corporate office people will see.