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I recently got hold of a whole load of rogue trader plastic imperial guard, want to do something fun with them, however some are painted pretty badly and fairly thickly, is there any way to strip the pain of these plastic models ?

There are probably a dozen threads just like this one.... this might be a subject that a sticky could be made for.

You have to be careful stripping plastics because most of the chemicals that will dissolve or loosen latex paint are also able to soften or dissolve the plastic, so whatever you end up using will have to be used carefully, and I suggest, first, that you practice on bits of painted sprues.

Break fluid from your local hardware store seems to work well, just don't leave it to soak forever or the plastic will swell, and be sure to use warm soap, water, and a toothbrush afterwards to carefully clean off the fluid residue.

Skinnattittar wrote:There are probably a dozen threads just like this one.... this might be a subject that a sticky could be made for.

It's in the modelling FAQ, which is linked from the ''Dakka's Modeling and Painting Articles" sticky at the top of the page

Simple Green is by far the best stripper that I've come across. Brake Fluid works as well, but is highly toxic.

Pine-Sol alworks very well and has never damaged any of my plastic minis.

Just don't let them soak for more than 48 hours, or the paint turns into a nightmare goop to remove.

Hey I was doing the same task about a month ago (newer models though - current space marine tac, assult squads, and bikers)

the best product i found was break fluid - a lot of people recommend casterol 4 dot (£6.99, 500ml, BP garage). However, I found that "Carlube 4 dot" (£1.58, 500ml, ASDA) works better and quicker (couple of hours). Neither damage plastics as I left the models in solution for over 2 weeks (had other things to do). - however i would check with one model first as the old rouge traders models may have a different type of plastic.

mr muscle etc (also recomended), must have changed the recipe as all they did was remove the transfers.

I would also recommend, a cheap electric and normal tooth brush to get into the small to reach places, also some eye protection (old sun glassess). Also use outdoors as break fluid has some nasty fumes, and wash hands throughly after use, as it drys out the skin (all learnt the hard way!).

hope this helps

RP

simple green. nuff said.


its completely safe on metal and plastic and it's biodegradable if that what floats your boat.

http://www.dakkadakka.com/wiki/en/Dakka_Modeling_FAQ:_How_to_Strip...

American product names are used.

Drive way degreaser, known as purple power or Castrol Super Clean here in the states, works wonderfully.

Thanks for the answers guys, maybe i can rescue these old models after all

Yeah, I'm going to try some of these alternatives the next time I've got a model to strip...I don't want to make using brake fluid a habit.

being as you live in the UK grab a bottle of Fairy Power Spray, spray it on the model, leave it for 30mins grab an old toothbrush and the paint comes right off, it takes a but of scrubbing but for a £2.50 bottle of kitchen degreaser you can't complain heres a pic for reference:

Gavin Thorne wrote:Drive way degreaser, known as purple power or Castrol Super Clean here in the states, works wonderfully.

Yeah, I can vouch for Super Clean as well. The active ingredient is lye, so please wear gloves and safety glasses when you scrub the minis.

(They dropped the "Castrol" part of the name a while back)

Yup, Fairy Power Spray works best for my.

Half and hour, old toothbrush, done.

Bish, bash, bosh, nice new Miniatures!

~sA

purple power seconded.
bought at auto parts store.

Super Clean/Purple Power Thirded!

Works fast and effectively and is now Biodegradable.

Simple green is also a good choice but does not work as fast and costs a lot more than Super Clean.

Dettol too. Messy, and stinks to high heaven, but it works well.