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Ok, before the "search" squad cut me a new one for not searching....let it be known that I have indeed done a search, and while there are a number of threads about the art of paint removing, none of them, as far as I could find, detailed the possibilities or lack there of of taking paint of the AT-43 range of miniatures.

I tried doing it tonight, using Cutex Acetone free nail polish remover.......zip.....it made the plastic go soft, but it didn't even remove the decals....let alone the paint.

I don't know what type of paint Rackham are using, but it sure as hell can#t be water based. I won't start ranting about the blind monekys they must be using to apply the paint, as I can imagine its a production line paint app, and therefore care attention and craft probably don't come into it....why this is a benefit to those who want to play and not paint miniatures is beyond me, and a simple recommendation would be to follow GWs example in the Space Hulk game box.....however, I digress.

Has anyone had any positive experience removing paint from the AT-43 range? I know I could simply paint over whats there, but I feel they've applied the paint too thick, and the detail is mostly obscured, hence I want to go back to basics and do my own thing.

Cheers guys.

Most of the time people just paint over the current scheme.

Someone on the AT-43 forum suggested a 10% Acetone dilution and a q-tip, but diluted with what? I am not sure. Acetone will do damage to the plastic so I do not suggest it.

I have had no success with Cutex Nail Polish remover even for normal paints.

I tried Simple Green, but the miniature basically fell apart making it difficult to clean.

I painted over mine.

I hate to parrot everyone else, but I think it's probably not worth it to try and remove their paint when a nice thin layer of primer can do the trick.

I don't think I lost any appreciable detail but ymmv.

DoW

I've not used it on AT-43 figs but have had good luck in general with Easy Off Oven Cleaner. It removes most paint and doesn't damage plastic.

Make sure to get the good old fashioned lye based kind. The fume-free stuff doesn't work.

Put the figs in a gallon Zip-lock bag and shoot the Easy-Off into the bag, filling it with foam. Let sit overnight. What paint doesn't dissolve right away should rinse off under water. Occasionally some will stick in the deep grooves and might require a toothbrush or toothpick to remove.

P.S.: Be careful with this stuff. It's caustic and will irritate skin and is nasty stuff so don't breathe it.

As mentioned above, I think your best bet might be to simply paint over the flat paint that rackham uses (I've done that and had no problems).

You could even give a light dusting of primer if you feel you need it.

Thanks for the feedback guys. Like I said, in my original post, from my perspective, Rackham have used way too much paint on their miniatures.....either that, or the original sculpt wasn't that detailed!