Two Swab Sets, Two Different Jobs
GSI Creos makes two Mr.Cotton Swab sets that look similar at first glance, but each is built for a different stage of the build. The ST01 set gives you one round tip and one triangular tip at a standard size. The ST02 set gives you two larger tips, both bigger than the ST01's, aimed at covering more surface area quickly.
Choosing between them comes down to whether you need precision for small details or a larger swab for broad cleanup and decal work.
What Each Set Contains
- Mr.Cotton Swab - 2 Types Set (ST01): Mr.Cotton Swab - 2 Types Set (ST01) includes a Round Type and a Triangular Type. The round tip is used slightly wet for applying decals, rolling away excess water and air bubbles. The triangular tip is used dry for makeup on figures and dolls, or to wipe away excess paint. The two tips let you handle both decal application and detail cleanup without switching tools. The triangular shape gives you a finer point for eye or mouth work on figures.
Mr.Cotton Swab - 2 Types Set (ST01) - Mr.Cotton Swab - Big Size 2 Types Set (ST02): Mr.Cotton Swab - Big Size 2 Types Set (ST02) is described as a large size effective for large areas. If you are cleaning broad surfaces or removing excess paint from a large part, the bigger tip saves time and reduces the number of passes needed.
Mr.Cotton Swab - Big Size 2 Types Set (ST02)
ST01 vs ST02: Key Differences
Both sets come from GSI Creos and are designed for modeling cleanup, but the tip size and shape change what each is best at.
- Tip shapes available: ST01 gives you a round tip and a triangular tip. ST02 gives you two large tips, but the catalog does not specify whether they are round, triangular, or both.
- Best use case: ST01 works well for decal application (round tip, slightly wet) and figure makeup or small paint wipe-off (triangular tip, dry). ST02 is described as effective for large areas, so it suits broad cleanup or applying decals on larger surfaces.
- Size advantage: ST02 is the big size set. If you regularly work on large parts or want to speed up cleanup, the larger swab head is the reason to choose it.
- Price difference: ST01 is listed at USD 2.37 (catalog comparison price USD 3.70). ST02 is listed at USD 2.78 (catalog comparison price USD 3.70). The price gap is small, about USD 0.41.
Which Set Should You Pick?
If you mainly apply decals and do detail work on figures, the ST01's round and triangular tips give you the right tools for those jobs. The triangular tip is especially useful for precise paint application or removal on small features like eyes and mouths.
If you often clean up paint spills, remove excess paint from larger parts, or apply decals on big surfaces, the ST02's larger swab head will get the job done faster. The trade-off is that you lose the finer triangular tip, and the catalog does not confirm whether the ST02 tips are round, triangular, or a mix.
Both sets are inexpensive, so if your modeling work spans both small details and large areas, consider keeping both on your bench.
