Model car interior detailing requires patience, precision, and attention to detail. It’s a hobby that borrows methods and tips from traditional car interior detailing. The main difference is you are working on a much smaller scale. So, good hand-to-eye coordination is a must.

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Model Car Detailing Tips

Building and detailing scale model cars has seen a revival in recent times. Hobbyists searching for a creative pastime have discovered the fascinating world of model cars. You build the cars using scaled-down measurements of actual vehicles, which can be a lot of fun. Moreover, detailing on a small scale can be therapeutic and a great way to de-stress!

And there is something to suit individual tastes and budgets. For instance, you can take your pick from a Mini Cooper to a Mercedes Benz. Model cars can become much-loved possessions, which is more reason to look after them. Here are our model car interior tips:

Preparation for Model Car Interior Detailing

Just as you would clean a full-size vehicle, it helps if you’re prepared for the job. And this prep includes choosing the best place to carry out your model car interior detailing. Go somewhere you will be undisturbed while you work. This could be the spare bedroom or the garage. You will also need the correct tools for the job, see below.

Use Small-Scale Tools

It is important to have the correct car interior detailing tools when cleaning the inside of a full-size car. The same advice applies when it comes to scale model car interior detailing.

However, if you are detailing a car 8 times smaller (or whatever the ratio) than the original version, you will need to downsize your tools considerably. For example:

• Compressed air duster. It is typically used for cleaning computer keyboards and office equipment but is a good alternative for a car vacuum on a smaller scale.
• Soft-bristle brushes. A selection of different-sized make-up brushes is ideal.
• Microfiber cloths.
• Pointed-tip cotton swabs.
• Computer screen cleaning wipes.

You might also want to wear cotton or disposable rubber gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints on the model car interior while you work.

Dust the Model Car Exterior

Before you begin your model car interior detailing, make sure the car exterior is dust-free. It will help avoid transferring dirt to the inside of the car.

Lightly brush your model car all over, including the wheels, using one of your soft-bristle brushes. A large make-up brush is the perfect size for this job.

Begin Detailing the Interior

Open all the model car doors to make access easier. Use your compressed air duster to carefully loosen and blow out the dust from the car seats, dashboard and so on.

Hold the can at least 4 or 5 inches away from the car interior to make sure it doesn’t leave behind any residue. A couple of short spray bursts should effectively remove any layers of dust that have accumulated inside the car.

Alternatively, use the corner of a damp microfiber cloth or computer screen cleaning wipes to clean the interior.

Clean Hard-to-Reach Places with Pointed-Tip Cotton Swabs

Dip a cotton swab in some warm soapy water for those hard-to-reach places when model car interior detailing. Pay special attention to behind and under the car seats, seatbelts and around the controls on the dashboard.

Keep in mind the places in the car people often forget to clean. For example, don’t forget behind the sun vizors, the car roof interior and the inside of the windows.

Sanitizing the Interior

Even though you can’t physically sit inside your model car, there is nothing wrong with prioritizing car sanitization. Dirt and germs accumulate if people handle your model cars frequently, whether it is someone admiring the car or small children playing with it.

Use an eco-friendly anti-bacterial spray on a cotton swab to wipe over the interior surfaces for a deeper clean when you are model car interior detailing.

To deep clean the car you drive, see our tips on the best way to detail car interior. We use steam to kill bacteria and germs, leaving your vehicle pristine.

Polish the Model Car Interior

You will also need a polish for model car interior detailing. Don’t buy a separate one if you already have a collection car interior detailing products. After applying the car polish, use microfiber polishing cloths to buff and shine the dashboard, console, and door handles. The high shine will instantly give your model car a good-as-new look.

Model Car Interior Tips for Larger Model Cars

Car enthusiasts who build model cars to almost full scale will naturally want to maintain the appearance of the vehicle. A cotton swab will not cut it when cleaning model cars on a larger scale.

Therefore, much bigger model cars will benefit from the same car interior detailing kit used when cleaning the inside of a “real” car. Also, our tips on how to remove stains from car seats might come in useful.

Specialist Cleaning Supplies

High-quality scale model cars often use the original materials to ensure the perfect reproduction. For example, this may include premium leather seats and steering wheel, high-grade plastic for the dashboard and center console, and handcrafted fabric for seatbelts.

So, if you’re working with a luxurious interior albeit on a miniature scale, be sure to use the correct cleaning supplies. The same rule applies to the car you drive. Also, knowing how to detail a car interior like a professional will guarantee the best results.

Model Car Interior Tips Post-Detailing

After you’ve finished detailing, find the perfect place for your prized possession. We recommend storing it away from direct sunlight to keep your model car’s paintwork and interior in good condition. Also, you might prefer to put your cars in glass or clear plastic display boxes to keep them dust-free.

Finally, there is a whole world of model cars out there. You will find model cars not only in private collections but also in museums. Many are collectible items, so this is where model car interior detailing comes into its own.

Some model cars are investment pieces. For example, a specific Ferrari Monza SP2 model in 1:8 scale can cost around $14,000. Bear in mind that this market is not just about miniature model cars. You can invest your time and money in building or purchasing larger-scale model cars. Some model car makers offer a bespoke service and will build a model car that perfectly represent your dream car.

Conclusion

Cleaning miniature cars is intricate work, but our model car detailing tips will make it easier. The process is great fun and immensely rewarding. But remember you’re working with miniature pieces glued together. So, it is wise to take your time. Clean your model car interior carefully to achieve the best results without damaging the structure and delicate interior.

The car you drive will benefit from regular cleaning and polishing, too. The good news is our professional car interior detailing service will take care of everything, from stain removal to sanitization, allowing you to enjoy your free time and hobbies.

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