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Excuse my ignorance if this topic is covered somewhere else, but I've used the search function and checked the stickied tutorials on the topic and have found conflicting information.

My specific question is what would be the best, and safest way to dissolve glue on my already assembled defiler model? I believe I used Zap-a-gap to begin with, and I now have another Defiler I need to break down that was put together with an unknown superglue, but I assume it's either zap-a-gap or the Citadel stuff.

What I've learned so far :

Simple green (which I've used) will weaken the bond, but mostly deteriorates layers of paint.

Pinesol - While good for pewter/metal mini's, will warp plastic.

Acetone - Same as above, but stronger. Also conflicting reports of safety versus plastic.

CSC - I read a bit about this, and it seems like it will strip paint nicely, but I'm not so sure about whether or not it will weaken the glue's bond.

Any thoughts? I'd like to break down a few defilers but not destroy the plastic.

If you used plastic cement you have no hope. Its not actually an adhesive, it reacts with the plastic and makes it melt slightly so the affected area will bond. It's not like superglue which just sets in place and holds the two pieces together. Your best bet is a knife, in my opinion.

Well, if you're looking to dissolve superglue without stripping your paint, then you're pretty SOL.

Anything that weakens the bond (I.E. Simple Green) will work. You just have to let the figure set in the solution for longer than you would for stripping paint, and then take it apart and take a toothbrush to the glued areas (superglue kind of degenerates into a gummy substance if you soak it in a base for long enough).

Personally, I've used nail polish remover before. It basically destroys any superglue bond and makes the superglue really easy to remove. I've heard people say that anything like this will destroy plastic, but I haven't had that problem. I guess it's up to you, really.

Okie doke.

I'm thinking simple green is my best bet. I had just tested some acetone on a random torso/leg pair that was glued together, and within 3 minutes the plastic and paint warped together and started to melt.

I'm thinking that's a bad idea to use on plastics then!

Edit - I realized I didn't answer your question Chrysaor686, I'm not worried about the paint job... just the integrity of the plastic involved and releasing the glue's bonds.

I've left plastic space marines in a tub of simple green for weeks..

and still haven't managed to get all the damn paint on one of them -.-

the model is otherwise fine.

Extremely hot water will also dissolve the super glue, but will also burn your hand and possibly deform the model.

Freezing works well for superglue.

Makes the superglue brittle and it should flake off.

let it soak for a day or two in CSC which is now known as just Super Clean can be bought at walmart in the automotive section for <10$ a gallon.
all the paint will come off and most of the super glued parts should fall or or be very easy to pry off this stuff works at least 200x better then simple green and is 100% safe on metals,plastics and FORGEWORLD

Yeah second on the Super Clean in the big purple jug, I just stripped minis and the superglue justs dissolves away and if it was stuck with a small amount of plastic glue it will easily come off with a tug. Be careful when dealing with that stuff though and follow these directions http://www.dakkadakka.com/wiki/en/Dakka_Modeling_FAQ:_How_to_Strip... and make sure you wear gloves to avoid chemical burns.

Ok, From my understanding, Simply Green is a one shot deal. Once you take it out for any length of time, putting it back in doesn't really help.
If you want to remove glue and paint, try castrol brake fluid. Leave it soak for 1-2 days.
Now, if it is the plastic glue GW sells, that actually melts the plastic together so nothing may work and you may end us just having to take a modelling saw to cut them apart.
[edit] Sorry, didn't realize Super Clean was Castrol product when I initially posted. It looks like a biodegradable version of brake fluid. Yay!

Hello
Try this website for a company in London they may be
able to help www.hobbys.co.uk (I think)
They sell a super glue debonder that I've used on
plastic figures which if used sparingly does break the glue
down.Note this:it didn't seem to do damage to the figures
but it did melt holes in the bases! Also it burns on
skin contact so be careful!Use at your own risk.

Never, ever, ever use acetone on plastic. It will dissolve it. I lost the entire torso to a Huckebein MK II model that way.