[labdude]

I do wax out of undercuts. Then a quick rinse under the faucet.
Next comes the separator. I use the Masel blue stuff. Get it from OSE. I brush it on and blot of excess with a tissue. Excess is generally on the wax, and won't go away otherwise.
By the time they are all painted, The first ones have no visible moisture anywhere. Then I glue on wires.
Very true Trisha, any droplet anywhere and it will soak right into the polymer, making for a real fun time to fix. Or just plain make over.
I never soak models.
Just enough moisture to keep the separator alive fro an hour or so while I lay up acrylic.
Now/....if you like totally dry way....use separator from JBC. It is silicone based and must be put on a dry model. 2 coats. It will last for week without being touched, and still function as a separator. Neat stuff, I used it for a while. I just like the damp method, simpler.