Removing Paint?

[GunslingerPanda]

Hello,

Anyone know a good way of removing paint from a model? I've heard it's do-able. Dug out a box of old stuff today from when I started a year ago, and it all looks real shit! But there's one model in particular I wouldn't mind painting up again.

It's plastic, if that matters.

[artificer]

The safest way to remove paint from metal/plastic minis is simple green. Dump them into a full strength bath of S/G for about 24-48 hrs, depending on the type of paint and sealant originally used.

Faster, but worse for your skin (wear gloves) is Pine Sol. This WILL dissolve both plastic and super glue if they are left in too long (start with 5 MINUTES).

In general, most people consider plastic minis to be '1 shot' - ie; they don't strip too well. I tend to agree. If the original paint layer isn't too thick you might well consider simply lighly re-priming over the original paint.

Some people like Brake Cleaners, Acetone, or Oven Cleaner for stripping paint, but all of these are a crap-ton more toxic than either of the first two choices.

Edited January 30, 2010 by artificer

[Loafalotapus]

There is also a product called Purple Power, which can be found in the automotive section of Wal Mart. You can actually leave plastics in this solution in a sealed container for days or months, depending on the paint that was used on the model. It is actually safer than simple green, which if left in too long will start to soften the plastic, particularly the bases.

When I use Purple Power, I just drop the whole thing in, base and all, and forget about it for about 3-4 days. Then scrub 'em with an old toothbrush under running cold water, and usually they are done. I have bought some minis that people have painted them with who knows what, and they may take a very long time, but just check on 'em about once a week, scrubbing them every time to remove layers.

[Slinkdawg]

I second the simple green suggestion above. That stuff works, and is still not so caustic it will dissolve everything...

[GunslingerPanda]

Think I'll have to go shopping for this Simple Green stuff.

Thanks, duders.

[pariah]

old time painter, I suggest using Brake fluid,as it acts faster on acrylic. Pay attention though,as it usually only takes about 30 min. to melt paint. I`ve never had it melt plastic. Otherwise, an industrial strength citrus cleaner will do just fine. I`ve found green and purple takes to long for my tastes. they do work if you have the time and patience.

[chaosobscuros]

I've always used Simple Green, and an old toothbrush. I recently upgraded to one of the electric "spin" brushes; it seems to help get into the detail areas that the paint gathers into on the plastic models.

[DeafNala]

I use ammonia...Parson's in particular. :guns:

[nightgaunt98c]

Purple power is my preferance. It's not as fast as some, but there is no chance of model damage.

[Chev Chelios]

I use Citrustrip.

[Clonezilla]

I've used both simple green and purple power and for me purple power seems to work better. And as for how long you can leave models in it, I can honestly say that I've forgotten about a batch and left it sitting for at least 6 months and the models were unharmed.

[Wombats]

Dump it in a jar of Acetone and make sure the lid doesn't leak gas.

The paint will shrug off in a minute or two, I leave it a day to be sure.

Then scrub lightly with a plastic brush, rinse the Acetone off first so it doesn't eat the brush.

[N0rdicNinja]

Gotta cast my vote for Simple Green, that stuff has done wonders for me. I've never personally used anything else, so I can't really say it's any better/worse then anything. But I've yet to need a reason to hunt for something else.

[artificer]

Dump it in a jar of Acetone and make sure the lid doesn't leak gas.

The paint will shrug off in a minute or two, I leave it a day to be sure.

Then scrub lightly with a plastic brush, rinse the Acetone off first so it doesn't eat the brush.

Keep in mind, he's trying to strip PLASTIC minis...

[Warlord Imp]

I've used Simple Green on second hand plastic models I bought with caked up glue and paint. I probably should have asked how old the first owner was before I bought it. Anyway, I left the figures in a diluted simple green mix for 48 hours and then scrbbed them with an old toothbrush in the simple green and rinsing in between. The paint peeled off nicely but the primer was difficult and no damage to the plastics. Some parts came off, I am guess due to the simple green. And this all was with a DILUTED simple green mix.

[Chev Chelios]

I've seen a guy use an abrasive blasting cabinet. He used baking soda on the plastic minis.

[Talishko]

I recall seeing a tutorial for stripping on brushthralls... They compared different solutions, might worth checking out.

[Wombats]

Plastic minis, maybe not the Acetone then

I'd strongly recommend Brush Thralls, they are my go-to site for just about any painting technique.

[LeopolddelaSolail]

I use Nail Polish remover or cleaning solvent .

but caution for plastic Minis use a fluid without dissolver

because that stuff can damage minis .

pro: easy to become, cheap, easy to handle( i use a old glass put the mini in and cover it with the fluid)

negativ: smelly