Hi guys, here a little tip which I hope can help you.

I've found at Muji store a pack of thin cotton swabs

http://www.muji.us/store/health-and-beauty/personal-care/thin-cotton-swabs.html

Muji Usa: http://www.muji.us/
Muji Europe: http://www.muji.eu/

They are perfect for modelling purposes because they are thin and most of all they don't leave any lint on model surfaces.
I've also used them damped with lacquer thinner to smooth mr surfacer 500, and they hawe worked perfectly

I hope this is useful for you

cheers

In Canada, I have found the cheap brands, like dollar store, are like you describe, and I use them. They work great, alot better then the big brand name version.

Yes Kevin, I think also in Europe they would be available some cheaper brand of them but unfortunately I haven't found yet.
I remember that some years ago Gunze Sangyo sold cotton swabs that it sayd to be conceived especially for modelling purposes...of course they were too expensive indeed. I suspect that they were similar to Muji swabs (which are less expensive)
Anyway at the moment this is the best cotton swab which I've found. It works wonderfully also to remove the excess when you wash the panel lines of the aircrafts. They are far better than common cotton swabs which you can find in a supermarket

cheers

For panels lines and removing excess, I have also found something called cotton pads, I believe they are used for removing makeup, the are a little rough one side and real soft and like a cotton ball on other. The rough side won't scratch the paint, but does a good job of removing excess wash.

Kevin

Thanks for the tip...I'think I'll steal them from my girlfriend

cheers