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Hey Gang!

I have a few models that were my first priming attempts after returning to the hobby. To be polite and PC lets just say that I might have dorked them up pretty good. The paint is heavily applied and the type of materials were all wrong. All of that being said, what are the best ways to strip a model of its primer coat? I'm guessing I need to soak it in a solution, but what seems to work best? Is there a container that seems to work best so that it doesn't get damaged or bleed colors into the mix as well?

Thanks,

Probably should be in P&M but I advise acetone-free nail polish remover and an old toothbrush, though if you weren't using GW paint you might need something stronger...

The cleaner called "Simple Green".

Simple Green didn't take off the basecoat of my models, just the paint overtop of the basecoat. Although I spray painted min,e

I have had success with Pine Sol and a toothbrush. An empty, cleaned out jar works well (like from peanut butter or the like). Soak overnight .

decoste007xt wrote:Simple Green didn't take off the basecoat of my models, just the paint overtop of the basecoat. Although I spray painted min,e

gotta soak it for 2-3 days, then hit it with a toothbrush.

Simple Green, LA's Totally Awesome. Those are pretty much your best bets. Let em soak for up to a week then scrub away. You might not be able to get all the primer off because that stuff is tough, but you can at least get the paint off that way.

I use "LA's Totally Awesome" All Purpose Concentrated Cleaner. If your in the U.S., Wal-Mart, K-Mart and some grocery chains stock this. Works like a charm!

Note: I've only used this on plastic figures, as I do not own any lead/pewter miniatures.

BE ADVISED: Since this is a concentrated cleaner, it needs to be diluted (one part cleaner/10 parts water).

Why does LA need to be diluted? Diluting it means it won't strip the paint off as well. Also, it will work just fine on metals. Paint strips off metals better than it does off plastics for whatever reason.

Brother SRM wrote:Simple Green, LA's Totally Awesome. Those are pretty much your best bets. Let em soak for up to a week then scrub away. You might not be able to get all the primer off because that stuff is tough, but you can at least get the paint off that way.

Soaking for a week? I've used "Awesome" (diluted), put the miniature in for 6-8 hours and completely stripped the paint AND primer.

I've only used Simple Green, so I've had to soak things for a week or so to get all the paint off. Next time I find LA's Totally Awesome I'll give it a try though!

Have you tried Dakka's Painting & Modeling articles? Start there, and see if that helps. After that, the Painting & Modeling forum is the place to be.