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How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/03/28 08:17:26


Post by: spudkins


Hey Everyone,
Thank you taking your time to watch this. This will save you a lot of money if done correctly.
Please listen to the video properly.


Thank you again.
Have a great day
Spud


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/03/28 11:23:31


Post by: don.mcclain


Now THAT is a good tutorial, I've been looking for a way to remove the paint from my spcaemarines (Due to poor paint quality from early years)


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/03/29 02:40:10


Post by: JaxnFury


Really glad someone has finally shown a proven method of stripping Failcast. Can you confirm whether or not it had any side effects in the following days/weeks after stripping? Any lost of detail, any weakening or brittleness?

Cheers.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/03/29 06:36:43


Post by: spudkins


I think if you left the model in there it model it would take details off but because your doing so quick nothing will be effected


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/03/29 23:21:23


Post by: JWMarines


I tried this with some enamel primed models from an ebay pick-up, using non-acetone nail polish remover. I had significant melting/softening of the details. Now, this might have just been from different formulations of similar products between the US and Euroland, or might have been specific to the fact that there was enamel-based paint on the models. I haven't tried it with acrylic paint, so I can't say exactly what chemical or chemical reaction caused the issues.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/03/29 23:56:29


Post by: Vetric


JWMarines wrote:
I tried this with some enamel primed models from an ebay pick-up, using non-acetone nail polish remover. I had significant melting/softening of the details. Now, this might have just been from different formulations of similar products between the US and Euroland, or might have been specific to the fact that there was enamel-based paint on the models. I haven't tried it with acrylic paint, so I can't say exactly what chemical or chemical reaction caused the issues.


How long did you leave them to soak? (I'm curious to give this a go tomorrow, and trying to get a guage of it.)


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/03/30 00:03:43


Post by: don.mcclain


I gotta admit, if i end up melting a few of my marines, i won't panic, cuz now i got melta'd marines


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/03/30 12:13:39


Post by: spudkins


They process pretty much starts straight away but I'd leave in upto 10mins at least then do what I did in the video and keep removing the paint off with the actual liquid.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/03/30 12:32:57


Post by: don.mcclain


Does this work against none citadel acrylic paints, cuz i find myself with about a company of poorly painted SM and i need to fix that.... hopefully they weren't glued wrong


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/03/30 18:29:04


Post by: spudkins


I used it for valejo,p3,gw and cheap paint from pound shop.
A believe they are all acrilics.
Maybe just test it with one model. It be better than losing the whole batch
Get back to me on the results.
Peace


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/03/31 20:36:21


Post by: Heavens Eagle


Testors makes a product called ELO (Easy Lift Off) that does work in a similar way to the product that Spudkins demonstrated. I used it to strip a whole series of old Space Marine models from a starter set. All the models were painted in some kind of glossy dark blue enamel. This is usually the hardest paint to remove outside of a good quality primer coat.

The process was basically the same, soak a little, scrub a little, soak a little and scrub some more. I ended up with everything completely clean as new and no loss of detail. It did however take a lot longer and a little more work than the nail polish remover that Spudkins used.

Again, if you are going to soak it for a little while have a covered container to soak it in to keep fumes down to a minimum. Once I was done with the actual strip I then washed all the parts with water and soap to remove all the stripper.

I would be very careful what solvents you use for stripping the plastic models. The ELO is formulated for use on plastic and I proved it out. It should work on the resin and metal parts just as effectively.

As to using other solvents, it would depend on what the base material is. for removing paint on metal models I would use Xylene (a less volatile solvent than acetone but does the same job) It should also remove the glues bonding the metal parts together. It should work on the resin models as well, but then again, try it on a part of the model and see how the resin reacts. I have found the Forge World resin to be fairly inert and resistant to the solvents I use, so most likely it will be safe.

Fine Cast (or as I call it Froth Cast) is not quite as robust as the FW resin. It is softer and a different formulation. Try your solvents on it first.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/04/01 10:56:01


Post by: Bobug


Ideal! beats dettol it seems, will be trying this in the future


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/04/01 15:29:03


Post by: spudkins


nice one. Glad its helped


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/04/01 18:06:57


Post by: Reaper6


Nicely done Spud

I've been using this method for years and I swear by it, but hopefully this vid will put an end to the "Great Debate" - and possibly reduce the number of people using the really nasty chems you see in some of the threads on this subject.

Exalted


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/04/02 12:41:15


Post by: spudkins


Thank you man. I have seen Many Many videos of Dettol and power spray. But now I put all 4 the materials we use together in one video. Hopefully it will spread loads and people will use it. Ebay will get a influx of wargamers now
Peace


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/04/02 15:21:51


Post by: Do_I_Not_Like_That


For the first time, a tutorial on this subject that uses materials available in the UK.

Great video, jargon free...if I were a woman!


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/04/02 21:20:59


Post by: GarretAsh


Just strip a leman russ this way , my girlfriend is going to be mad about the nail remover but it worked just fine with no noticeable lost of details.

Let me rephrase that , there was some detail loss , some minor loss in the little aquila symbol but it was because it was to much time in the solver.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/04/03 04:06:34


Post by: spudkins


Thank you guys for the great comments. If you could subscribe to my youtube channel too would be awesome and help me out a little more.
Peace


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/04/03 12:02:25


Post by: Tyranidcrusher


don.mcclain wrote:
Now THAT is a good tutorial, I've been looking for a way to remove the paint from my spcaemarines (Due to poor paint quality from early years)


Dear God I know that feel....


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/04/03 21:49:41


Post by: spudkins


Well at least I helped a few people. Its all about sharing


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/04/07 11:17:06


Post by: sarpedons-right-hand


Brilliant! I've had mixed success with stripping miniatures. This looks like a foolproof way to do it, and with stuff that I can get hold of without resorting to crazy Internet prices! (Simple Green, I'm looking at you...)

Bang on!


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/04/07 14:43:24


Post by: spudkins


Thank you. well last night someone told me they used my technique on animol and it worked too. woohoo
Remember to share and get this in to the communtiy more.
Peace


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/04/13 21:49:30


Post by: baxta182


Great tutorial thanks alot, and you have a beautiful singing voice. Haha


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/04/14 04:33:29


Post by: spudkins


Thank you brother. Check out my other videos for more singing :


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/04/15 00:40:19


Post by: TMGamer


Saw this just before a shopping run so I popped into Superdrug and got some. This stuff works wonders, stripped everything I threw at it including some old 90's skaven covered in enamel.

Thanks for sharing Spud!


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/04/15 15:29:41


Post by: spudkins


No problem brother.
Should sub to my channel for some more helpful and wierd things


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/04/21 19:24:02


Post by: kelewan


Dude I just thought I would try this and my fiancée had some acetone free remover by a company called skin truth and I didn't have to wait at all I put it and scrubbed straight away on a model thats been painted for well over a year. here's a link to the stuff

http://www.sallyexpress.com/skintruth-nonndashacetone-nail-polish-remover-non-acetone-premovers23/




How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/04/22 11:50:21


Post by: spudkins


Great man, I am glad I helped you. Go check my channel for more stuff.
Peace


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/04/22 18:49:11


Post by: SneakyMek


I tried the acetone free nail polish remover on a few plastic figs i had lying around, and i let them soak to at max around 10 minutes and there where already some sign of melting and brittle plastics for me.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/04/23 04:23:13


Post by: onionlord


Incredibly helpful! Thank you


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/04/23 06:36:06


Post by: spudkins


thanks onionlord. dont forget to subscribe


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/04/23 18:07:05


Post by: Makutsu


Don't use this method on Plastic and maybe Resin!
Acetone melts Plastic, I didn't remember if he mentioned it or not in the video, but DON'T USE ACETONE WITH PLASTIC.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/04/23 18:40:39


Post by: JWMarines


 Makutsu wrote:
Don't use this method on Plastic and maybe Resin!
Acetone melts Plastic, I didn't remember if he mentioned it or not in the video, but DON'T USE ACETONE WITH PLASTIC.



I think the key was that this was NON-acetone nail polish remover. I still ended up with melting/detail softening and it just made a big mess and destroyed my stripping toothbrush.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/04/23 19:08:05


Post by: spudkins


Yes guys its Acetone FREE stuff.
The normal stuff WILL will you plastic


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/04/24 06:44:51


Post by: Muzzah


I tried this technique out on my old Tau crisis suit with the broadside upgrade kit on. So a mix of resin and plastic, i'd say around 2+ years old.

Anyway i raided the other halfs accessories, found some nail polish remover, and cheered because it was Acetone free. the stuff ended up making the resin very brittle and the plastic had gotten weak enough around the joints that the arms snapped off with little effort. Not sure if it was the brand of remover i used, or that it was the old type of resin and plastic.

I will be popping to Superdrug today, to get the brand mentioned.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After buying the superdrug branded stuff, it works like a charm. Though, i had real trouble removing Humbrol Matt black http://www.modelzone.co.uk/150ml-spray-no-33-matt-black.html even after soaking it for well over half a day, it just didnt want to shift it :/

Still, if your base coat is good. it removes citidel paint with no trouble.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/04/24 07:03:50


Post by: major_payne


I've always used straight 'Dettol', it stinks but does all mediums with no corrosion, it also turns glue to jelly so my bits get the full clean before I put models back together...


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/04/24 07:33:18


Post by: spudkins


It defo works guys. I did the video on models that are made from finecast,forgeworld and plastics and mine are fine. And I used it plenty of time. Some guy message me and said it melted his models.
I ask '' HOW LONG YOU LEAVE THEM IN''
he said: ''2 HOURS''

So obvisley this guy didnt listen propley



How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/05/02 11:35:25


Post by: Solar Shock


major_payne wrote:
I've always used straight 'Dettol', it stinks but does all mediums with no corrosion, it also turns glue to jelly so my bits get the full clean before I put models back together...


Mr Payne here has it down to a T!

I bought some dettol disinfectant last weekend (Basically its the surgical alcohol within thats the cleaning agent).
I used the stuff straight, soaking my models, metal, plastic both old and new with some being rogue era with large amounts of paint covering details. The stuff removed them all! zero detail loss on both finecast and plastic, only thing is don't use water to wash them off as you scrub them down, as it forms a sticky substance which then is just more effort to scrub off with hot soapy water. Just use the dettol to clean it off in a smaller dip jar.

I worked using a sort of leave in for an hour-2hours, srub with a toothbrush and dip away the scrubbed off paint, put back into dettol for another 30 mins and scrub off the rest. Some of the really overpainted stuff took a few extra dips but overall I think yesterday I stripped atleast 30 minatures for about £3 (price of dettol bottle). Highly impressed. Just wear gloves! seriously wear gloves. I had the thumb split and i didnt notice I was putting my thumb in neat dettol until it had gone so old man wrinkle like, I thought it had died my thumb looked like the grand cannon for a few hours.

But use this !


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/05/02 13:48:30


Post by: guidsgjg


Tried the acetone free nail polish method on a unit of cold one knights, worked brilliantly. Didn't soak any models for any longer than 5-10 minutes and had no detail loss. I did notice a slight softening of the plastic on a few peices i left in for closer to the 10 minute side, but nothing that couldnt be fixed by gently bending the plastic back into position before drying. If you are gonna go with this method just be sure to soak for less than 5min imho.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/05/03 06:13:23


Post by: spudkins


Awesome news


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/05/03 18:27:18


Post by: Eagleace115


How well does this work with removing primers on plastic?
It seems most people haven't had much damage to their models if done quickly. In terms of damaging details or making the plastic brtittle how does this compare to simple green?


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/05/05 12:09:11


Post by: Mywik


Eagleace115 wrote:
How well does this work with removing primers on plastic?
It seems most people haven't had much damage to their models if done quickly. In terms of damaging details or making the plastic brtittle how does this compare to simple green?


To be honest. I cant support the experiences some people had with melting plastic. After being ready with stripping most miniatures ive put a bolter bit into the nail polish remover stuff over night in order to test what happens. It was clean the day after and the plastic wasnt melted at all.

Just try it for the 50cents a bottle costs with a bit you dont really care about to be sure of the results. Perhaps the problems depends on the brand some people are using.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/05/05 12:29:24


Post by: JWMarines


I'm thinking there's something in the formulations that is causing some people to have smashing results, while others (like me) end up with a sticky mess. From limited research, there seems to be 2 different non-acetone solvents used in these products: Ethyl Acetate and Methyl Ethyl Ketone... If everyone could check the ingredients label on your bottle and post here which solvent yours has and what your results were maybe we can figure out what is causing these differing results

The non-acetone remover I have - which melted some details, turned the enamel/gloss paint into a massively sticky mess- is Ethyl Acetate based.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/05/06 12:39:15


Post by: pinky1066


JWMarines wrote:
I'm thinking there's something in the formulations that is causing some people to have smashing results, while others (like me) end up with a sticky mess. From limited research, there seems to be 2 different non-acetone solvents used in these products: Ethyl Acetate and Methyl Ethyl Ketone... If everyone could check the ingredients label on your bottle and post here which solvent yours has and what your results were maybe we can figure out what is causing these differing results

The non-acetone remover I have - which melted some details, turned the enamel/gloss paint into a massively sticky mess- is Ethyl Acetate based.


I purchased the bottle shown in the video from superdrug, left models in less than 10 mins and it turned my forgeworld models to a rubbery bendy compound. I checked the bottle and it was Ethyl Acetate based.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/05/06 15:16:32


Post by: Reaper6


 SneakyMek wrote:
... and i let them soak to at max around 10 minutes and there where already some sign of melting and brittle plastics for me.


I've found that times can vary depending on a number of factors. As with all things I suggest experimenting to find a timescale that suits you but I generally only let plastics soak for about 2 minutes.

pinky1066 wrote:
I purchased the bottle shown in the video from superdrug, left models in less than 10 mins and it turned my forgeworld models to a rubbery bendy compound. I checked the bottle and it was Ethyl Acetate based.


ALWAYS check the labels before you buy - many "own brand" nail polish removers have similar labels for the Acetone based AND Acetone Free products


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/05/07 10:29:30


Post by: pinky1066


[quote=ALWAYS check the labels before you buy - many "own brand" nail polish removers have similar labels for the Acetone based AND Acetone Free products


Hello Sir, I did check, the bottle clearly states Acetone Free just as the bottle in the video does, it was exactly the same as the one in the video, checked many times now. It was not until I saw the results that I checked back on these forums to see if anyone else had the same issue. When I saw JWMarines post I thought it best to provide the information he requested and let him know that I had similar results with as he did and that the product used contained the same Ethyl Acetate in it.

Live and learn I guess, the models are not ruined, just very bendy, hehehe. I think I will stick with dettol for now and avoid cleaning Forgeworld and Failcast models, but it was definitely worth a try and I hope Spudkins keeps up the good work.

Thanks


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/05/07 12:30:40


Post by: shogun


JWMarines wrote:
I'm thinking there's something in the formulations that is causing some people to have smashing results, while others (like me) end up with a sticky mess. From limited research, there seems to be 2 different non-acetone solvents used in these products: Ethyl Acetate and Methyl Ethyl Ketone... If everyone could check the ingredients label on your bottle and post here which solvent yours has and what your results were maybe we can figure out what is causing these differing results

The non-acetone remover I have - which melted some details, turned the enamel/gloss paint into a massively sticky mess- is Ethyl Acetate based.


Similar thing happened to me. Also used a non acetone nail polish remover with Ethyl Acetate. I only soaked the model in their for 2 minutes. Then I used an old toothbrush to remove the paint. I wanted to remove the undercoat but i couldn't do that without damaging the plastic/details.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/05/08 02:56:21


Post by: spudkins


Thanks pinky. When I finished my models where totally fine.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/11/06 09:39:40


Post by: Kosake


Hi everyone. I thought I might add some scientific rigour to the discussion.
I tested various solvents on a piece of spruce (bloodletters pack, regular gw plastic, which I think is the cheapest stuff used).

Acetone: FUBAR, melts everything to a wobbly drop in seconds.
ethyl acetate: guess what? If feths your plastic stuff just as good if not even better. Dissolution of the spruce in 30 minutes.
THF: Same results, after 10 minutes your plastic is almost completely in solution and what's left looks more sad than the remains of a grot beneath a gargant's leg.
Diethyl ether: Melty piece of goo.
Toluene: Dissolution in several minutes.
Xylene, Benzene: Didn't have it on hand but assume the results will be similar to Toluene.

n-Heptane: No noticeable loss of properties in the observed time (~20 minutes).
iso-Propanol: No corrosion even after soaking plastic for days in it (stripped a couple of killa canz that way).

Regarding paint stripping:
I had some metal miniatures I could work on even with the agressive stuff. So here are some figures regarding the pure paint removal abilities:

Acetone:
Sad as it might be, Acetone did not do wonders with paint. It roughed it up, sure enough, but you'll still have to scrub it with a brush from the surface. I ebayed a pack of old chaos terminators, sprayed in some sort of shiny black paint which was probably intended to substitute a primer but would have provided an even worse surface for painting than the naked metal.

iso-Propanol:
Same as with acetone, but without the melty part. My suggestion for paint stripping from all sorts of plastics. Will rough the paint up but will leave your miniatures unharmed otherwise. Be prepared to scrub a little more around the recesses, because paint will be stuck there. I think hand sanitizer is mostly isoprop with a little bit perfume (sometimes), so if you have someone working at a hospital, he may be able to get you a mug or two of the stuff. Or get it from an apothecary or something...

THF:
My choice for metal models. As stated with acetone, I had some nasty paintjob to remove and THF really did dissolve the paint. The others on that list mostly just rough it up so it comes tumbling down in flakes or something, but tetrahydrofurane really dissolves that gak clean off. Much easier job with recesses and suchlike.

Ethyl acetate:
Should work pretty good, but by the time I wanted to try out, THF did such a good job that I had only little pieces of paint left, hidden in deep recesses. As you've seen in the OP video, that stuff must work (if nail polisher doesn't have acetone as active ingredient, it is most likely ethyl acetate). Still it DOES feth up your plastic models, I had a complete dissolution of the GW spruce in 30-35 minutes or so. Dissolution as in "it's gone". Not melted like with DEE or acetone but really disintegrated.

I did not try any chlorinated solvents because that stuff should most definitely not be used for gaks and giggles. The organic solvents are a pest as it is but there is really no need to use the chlorinated stuff for your hobby if you can avoid it. think of the environment, ffs.

As stated, test was done on GW plastic spruce. I don't have access to any forgeworld stuff, so if you want me to test solvents on that, feel free to send me some material. An alpha legion dreadnought would do just fine.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/11/06 23:38:04


Post by: spudkins


The one in my video Acetone FREE works ok on them all as I show in the video.
Peace Spud


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/11/07 08:37:02


Post by: Kosake


Yes, but some people claimed that ethyl acetate-based nail polisher causes some damage to the miniatures and I wanted to check, whether it can be the cause or some other stuff that may not be mentioned.

I for one do not like to use some special brand of nail polisher for various reasons:

1. I may not get the right brand here.
2. Even if I get the right brand, the substances may vary depending on region. US laws are different to EU laws.
3. Even if I get the right brand and it has the same formulation as oversees, you never know whether they changed the mixtures before your minis start to melt in front of you.

So I wanted to see what substance actually does what. For all of you who fear that one product or the other may damage your miniatures: check with what I tried out. If any substance you see is part of the product you want to use, it MAY damage your stuff. I checked with pure, undiluted solvents, so just because it's part of the formulation, it doesn't necessarily mean it will melt down your stuff. I just say that it MAY do so.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/11/08 22:37:59


Post by: gilljoy


 spudkins wrote:
The one in my video Acetone FREE works ok on them all as I show in the video.
Peace Spud


Spud I tried using the acetone free version on some plastic space marine backpacks and I lost a lot of details myself. I think it was the same brand as the one you used but could have been mislabelled or something.

Personally I use fairy power spray for metal and plastics. I've yet to try it on finecast but I've got a miscast crowe and model so I'll maybe spray him and give it a try


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/11/10 03:12:35


Post by: darkcloak


Okay, here is another way to remove both acrylic and enamel paint from plastic GW miniatures, using something you probably have under the sink right now. This method, while somewhat labour intensive, is safe and cheap. If you have sensitive skin you may want to wear gloves. Eye protection is recommended as well.

1: Mix Pine-Sol and Water in a large mason jar, try for about half and half, but a little more water is okay.
2: Drop in your plastic GW mini and let soak for 3-4 hours.
3: Gently scrub the mini under warm water with a medium or hard bristle brush. Be careful of small details like tassels or chains that could be knocked off by brushing.
4: Repeat steps 2 and 3 until satisfied.
5: Clean off any Pine-Sol residue with warm soapy water. Clean off any soap residue with cold water.
6: Let your mini dry off overnight.


I tested this method thoroughly and even in a stronger solution Pine-Sol still had no effect on GW plastic. Be prepared to reassemble some mini's though as some glues will fail after a few soaks. I discovered that my used mini's had been painted with an enamel paint at one point and this was when most of the details got covered over. However the enamel did not effect the equation at all other than requiring more scrubbing. Models painted with acrylic paint came clean after only 2 soaks.

The only drawback is that your miniatures will smell like a pine cabin...


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/11/11 09:54:07


Post by: Kosake


gilljoy wrote:
 spudkins wrote:
The one in my video Acetone FREE works ok on them all as I show in the video.
Peace Spud


Spud I tried using the acetone free version on some plastic space marine backpacks and I lost a lot of details myself. I think it was the same brand as the one you used but could have been mislabelled or something.

Personally I use fairy power spray for metal and plastics. I've yet to try it on finecast but I've got a miscast crowe and model so I'll maybe spray him and give it a try


The capability to cause damage to your miniatures is based on two things:
* Type of solvent used (ethyl acetate, acetone, ...)
* Concentration of the solvent.

I've posted a variety of common solvents you may find in one formulation or another (paint thinners, nail polish, hand desinfectant...) and their effect on plastics. If any of the dangerous ones are in your mixture, it depends on how undiluted they are and how long your miniatures are in there. Add enough water and even acetone will be pretty tame. The paint stripping capability will diminish as well, though.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/11/19 19:26:42


Post by: Fenderstat


Just used it, works perfectly for getting the outer layer of paint off. Some miniatures I couldn't entirely remove the basecoat but I can just spray them again and anyway. Thanks for the tip, who knew it would be so simple?


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/11/22 08:57:04


Post by: spudkins


IM glad it worked for you


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/12/21 01:04:56


Post by: Rain


I tried the dettol method and frankly hated it, as the poor minis reek for ages afterwards. However, I found a thread here a while ago that mentioned some stuff called Biostrip 20 so figured I'd give that a go.

Picked up a tub for about a tenner, painted it on to a couple of old models last night. It's pretty much odourless and got the consistency of yoghurt.

It's also ace! Rinsed and scrubbed those minis today, and they came out great - no damage to the detail on plastic that I could see. Dipped some more and scrubbed them after an hour today and they're fine too.

Added bonus was that it also un knackered the old drybrushing brush I painted it on with.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
I think it may be a uk only thing though.

Edit: Silly phone autocorrecting I just noticed.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/12/21 20:32:27


Post by: monkeytroll


Fairy power spray - used it on plastics and metals, strips acrylics, 20 year old enamels, no issues. My go-to for stripping minis.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/12/22 04:18:02


Post by: lobbywatson


I worked for North Americas largest paint/coatings provider for 9 years in the industrial paint field. Sherwin-Williams in case I'm being vague.
DO NOT USE ANYTHING SOLVENT BASED ON PLASTIC. End of story. Acetone free nail polish remover mimics acetone. One of the strongest and fastest drying solvents on this earth. Guess what it does to anything plastic like. Breaks it down. Depending on the type of paint on the mini will influence the time it takes to break it down.
Not only that but you should not breathe this stuff in. The vapors are highly toxic.
Truth be told if you had metal minis that you wanted to get apart this would be perfect. Other then that don't use this. Bad idea.




How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2013/12/24 00:26:58


Post by: Zach


I tried this using generic brand acetone free nail polish remover on some Finecast Wraithguard and a new Crimson Hunter who's paintjob I was definitely not satisfied with yesterday, and had great results with both. No detail loss, no softening, and highly affordable.

Both mini's had been primed/painted with citadel stuff.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/01/03 00:55:04


Post by: spudkins


Awesome stuff. I am glad it helped out.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/01/03 09:12:21


Post by: Kosake


Update on my solvent-testing:

I'm currently tinkering around with a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and Acetone (about 95:5 iPrOH:Acetone).

Ripped Red Primer right of a failsprayed miniature after ~10 minutes in the ultrasonic bath but would probably work without that.

Regarding Heptane: It softens up the plastic without damaging it or taking away details. I think some crafty tinkerer could use it to change the way an arm or a leg is bending or something similar. After drying it becomes kind of decently solid again, but really, use with EXTREME care. By my guesstimate the soaked part has to stay in heptane for at least a day before it is properly softened! I did some torsion-deforming on basic sprue and it worked pretty nice, hardening over the course of an hour or so afterwards.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/01/07 15:52:59


Post by: robam45


Just tried it, can confirm it worked fine on plastic tactical marines! Although it has a little trouble getting primer off, in my case.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/01/08 21:14:04


Post by: spudkins


Thank you. Please check out my other videos if you dare.
Peace


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/01/25 11:56:21


Post by: Captain Galenus


Hi, great vid cheers! I may have missed this but does nail polish remover with acetone in it still work for metals? I don't want to see Gil Galad melting before my very eyes...

Cheers!


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/01/25 16:31:12


Post by: Kosake


Yes, metal takes anything you throw at it short of actual acids.

The base however will melt in acetone, as will any additional bits and kitbashed parts that aren't metal, so you better remember if you've added something non-metallic before you put it into acetone.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/01/25 18:53:01


Post by: Captain Galenus


Ok cheers! Will have to take off his base then...
Thanks!


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/01/31 07:05:40


Post by: spudkins


How did it go Mr Galenus?


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/02/09 17:41:33


Post by: 40KNobz11


Awesome tutorial!!! I WILL be giving that a try!


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/02/10 01:33:10


Post by: spudkins


That is great. Thank you


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/03/17 20:21:39


Post by: spudkins


So been getting a lot great comments on this video.
You think I should make a better quality video?



How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/03/17 20:54:01


Post by: warped


 spudkins wrote:
So been getting a lot great comments on this video.
You think I should make a better quality video?

Why did you choose that preview image?


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/03/18 20:00:56


Post by: AllSaint


Brilliant! Thanks a lot for this video. I have many poorly painted space marines which I can re paint now!


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/03/20 07:28:38


Post by: spudkins


Warped-I used it because it was the first thing I put in to google.

Allsaint- You will have many models again


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/03/25 23:50:08


Post by: throwoff


Just got 5 old metal assault termies on ebay that have been resprayed black over paint.

As soon as they arrive I am doing this!


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/03/31 07:25:33


Post by: spudkins


Awesome stuff. Glad it helps out


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/04/30 05:20:56


Post by: spudkins


Hey everyone,
I am might record a higher quality version of this video. What you think?


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/04/30 07:41:31


Post by: Kosake


It's not like it's a tutorial on tiny details and precision painting. No need I'd say.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/05/01 08:05:33


Post by: KostasIII


Nive tip man. Very helpful because you use a material that we can all found in our countries!


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/05/02 00:18:01


Post by: shauni55


Has anyone ever used a ultrasonic cleaner? I want to buy one, but I'm curious as to what "level" you need for it to work


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/05/02 12:10:25


Post by: Kosake


I have. It's a good help. We have a pretty standard VWR ultrasonic bath that I use. Works wonders on metal miniatures submerged in THF and assists nicely when used with i-PrOH on plastic minis.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/05/02 13:54:57


Post by: shauni55


Can you link one that would be a good standard cleaner.?


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/05/02 19:31:40


Post by: Kosake


One's as good as the other. The more power, the better, in general.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/05/03 00:11:56


Post by: shauni55


 Kosake wrote:
One's as good as the other. The more power, the better, in general.


What about a heater? Is that necessary?


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/05/04 18:08:07


Post by: spudkins


You going to use the ultra cleaner to strip the models?


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/05/04 20:53:42


Post by: Kosake


From my experience, just the prolonged sonication will allready increase the temperature in the bath to something around 35-40 °C. Make it much higher and THF (used for metals) will start to boil iirc and plastics may become soft or something.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/05/08 00:38:27


Post by: spudkins


So do you ad the Acatone to the ultra cleaner?


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/05/10 22:53:38


Post by: Carlson793


Old gaming acquaintance of mine told me years ago he uses engine degreaser as a paint stripper. Few months ago, decided to give it a try (Clean-Rite Purple Power, found at the local Wal-Mart), and I haven't looked back. I've used it on plastic and metal minis, sometimes leaving them in a jar with the product for days. It has not failed me.

Method is simple: take a glass jar (I use an old salsa jar and a candle jar), place your minis inside, add degreaser till it covers the minis, close it up and walk away until you're ready to clean 'em. Pull 'em out, get a bucket/sink of warm water for rinsing, and have at them with a (cut down) toothbrush. How long you leave minis in depends on the paint/primer/layers involved, but it has removed paint from a few months/years ago, to stripping minis whose metal hadn't seen the light of day for 30+ years. Acrylics, enamels...no problem.

Depending on the brand (I've only used the one), the scent/ventilation is a very minor consideration. In spite of the standard warnings on the product, I've never had an issue with using it in an unventilated space and bare-handed the entire time I use it (which is usually until my fingers cramp up from holding too many small parts).

As a side (questionable) benefit, it also loosens the bond of cyanoacrylate glue with ease. Discovered this when stripping another batch from eBay. Pulled a mini from the degreaser, the arms, shoulder pads, weapons - anything joined by super glue - just fell apart. Can be of benefit, as now I can mix and match the bits as I please.

Also, just because it's been used doesn't mean you need to throw the degreaser out. Many times, I've used a jar of the stuff until I couldn't handle parts getting out of eye sight in the dirty liquid.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/05/11 13:18:54


Post by: Kosake


 spudkins wrote:
So do you ad the Acatone to the ultra cleaner?

The ultrasonic bath is filled with water. I put the miniatures in a jar, from pickeled gherkins, jam, whatever; fill it with the desired solvent (iPrOH for plastics, THF (works better than acetone) for metals), hang the jar inside from an exterior frame and switch the thing on for 20-30 minutes.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/05/28 18:02:54


Post by: spudkins


I am thinking of doing another version of this video. A HD edition.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/06/06 15:58:35


Post by: spudkins



Hey everyone,
So here is a brand new tutorial for you all. Please share around. It is here to help the people



How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/08/25 08:46:42


Post by: spudkins


Did anyone find this tutorial useful?


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/08/30 07:17:22


Post by: galford


Wow!!! Thank you very much....I always used isopropanol. It took 5 hours and the paint never got off so easy.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/08/31 13:06:25


Post by: Insane Smile


Found it quite helpful. Will be using it with some models I just got.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/09/07 21:58:04


Post by: spudkins


Well that is very god to hear indeed.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/09/22 23:23:52


Post by: spudkins


How come this got turned into a blog post?

I also got a new tutorial on how to wash your brand new resin models.
Hope you like it.



How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/10/14 11:52:30


Post by: morgoth


Acetone is perfect for metal.

For the rest I use Bref power degreaser, which is the same thing as Fairy power whatever in belgiumland.

Nail polish remover sounds more expensive and riskier.

The guys from the club are heavy on glanzer / emsal which are floor cleaning products that appear to work well.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/10/14 20:14:11


Post by: Bonesnap


Awesome!!!! Thanks a lot! I've been using pine-sol for stripping the paints.. It works, but you need to leave the minis for 24-48 hours and the smell of the pine-sol invade the house. It's good for the first 10 minutes but the smell stick to the figures.
My ogres had a fresh pine scent.. And its quite paradoxical when you think ogres are not the most hygienic creatures.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/10/15 07:06:02


Post by: morgoth


They're pinewood ogres. Makes sense you know.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/10/15 20:26:32


Post by: lliu


Awesome! Used it already. Works perfectly!


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/10/15 23:18:16


Post by: Anon Ominous


Nice one Spud!

I've had similar results in the past bunging load of plastics in a takeaway tub full of detol for sometimes 24 hours plus with minimal to no loss of detail. Reused the same liquid repeatedly too.

You just blew my mind with the fairy power spray though. Seems less risky than harsher chemicals and faster too. Does the fairy work this well on other materials?


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/10/16 05:29:09


Post by: spudkins


@anon It works on other materials as well. I should of done examples in the video
Thank you for watching


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/10/27 19:50:11


Post by: Gapow


I used this method today as I've had mixed results with using dettol. There isn't a Superdrug where I work but there is a shop called Bodycare, they sold Cutex acetone free nail varnish remover for £1.42.

I've just cleaned two plastic eldar guardians as a test. It has stripped both back to bare plastic with no problems. No loss of detail on the.models either, and you know how.small the detail is on those models

P.s.Sorry for all the.full stops, typed this on my phone


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/10/28 08:09:37


Post by: spudkins


That is perfect news. Yes they have the same remover in other shops but not tested them all. I have some more helpful tutorials on my channel too.
Thank you for watching.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/11/12 15:18:50


Post by: Elmodiddly


Agreed, Fairy Power Spray is the best stuff you can get to strip paint from any model.

I've soaked models, as a test, for two months whilst moving house. The Necrons were absolutely perfect and still intact afterwards with no ill effects whatsoever. Paint up good afterwards too.


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2014/11/22 15:14:21


Post by: spudkins


Yes it seems to be the best out there for general use at the moment. Thank you for watching


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2015/02/22 01:04:18


Post by: spudkins


How did the necrons finally come a long?


How to strip paint off Metal,Plastic,Finecast and Forgeworld  @ 2016/05/14 07:27:41


Post by: spudkins


Hey everyone it been a while since I posted anything. Here is my yearly tutorial. If you want any more drop a reply below