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Ok I realize that this is probably a stupid question but I have an assortment of models I have acquired some given some I have bought second hand that I don't like the paint jobs on. The models themselves are assorted too pewter and plastic some with custom green stuff how do I safely strip the paint without damaging the models?

In the USA, use Simple Green. In the UK, regular brown Dettol.

Simple green really?!?! Will it need much scrubbing?

Its more a matter of soak time, Metal models only need a max of an hour and half soak and the paint should just peel right off under a little warm water and a tooth brush. Plastics require a longer soak, in my experiance 12+ hours as the paint bonds to plastic differently. It also depends on the kind of paint your using, acrylics it works great where as enamle (like testers paint) it still works on just more slowly.

Leave the models in simple green as long as you want (depending on how thick the paint is I've heard from 30 minutes to 24 hours) and then use a cheap toothbrush and it should not take too much scrubbing.

Using Dettol I've stripped models after dunking a model for about 60 seconds and then scrubbing (but then it was a metal model, freshly painted with thin layers of paint).

Don't worry about leading stuff in for ages - I've had models soaking in it for months without a problem.

It won't mess up the custom green stuff will it?

BlackRaven1987!! wrote:It won't mess up the custom green stuff will it?

Yes it will.

Catyrpelius wrote:

BlackRaven1987!! wrote:It won't mess up the custom green stuff will it?

Yes it will.

What can I do to strip stuff and protect the custom green stuff or am i just out of luck there? Another question will the simple green dissolve the glue?

I've heard reports of Simple Green softening plastic. I've never experienced it, and it may be an evil rumor, but better forwarned.

I use something called Purple Power, which is an industrial degreaser. I get mine at Wal*Mart between the auto and paint sections, I'm sure your local suppiers and locations will vary.

Other's here have refered to it as "Purple Clean"

I've left plastic FireWarriors soaking for 7 days with no softening, or loss of detail. The color of the plastic is bleached a little, and I suspect 4+ rounds of paint and strip may cause some issues. It removed both enamel and acrylic paint with 18-24 hours of soak and minimal scrubbing. Poorly glued bonds are broken, but I think this would be true of any soak, including water.

For metal just about anything works, they're some tough buggers.

Well, in my area, doing so will get you arrested, and probably you'll be listed as a sex offender.

So usually behind closed doors.

I use isopropyl alcohol..

Bounty wrote:I've heard reports of Simple Green softening plastic. I've never experienced it, and it may be an evil rumor, but better forwarned.

I use something called Purple Power, which is an industrial degreaser. I get mine at Wal*Mart between the auto and paint sections, I'm sure your local suppiers and locations will vary.

Other's here have refered to it as "Purple Clean"

I've left plastic FireWarriors soaking for 7 days with no softening, or loss of detail. The color of the plastic is bleached a little, and I suspect 4+ rounds of paint and strip may cause some issues. It removed both enamel and acrylic paint with 18-24 hours of soak and minimal scrubbing. Poorly glued bonds are broken, but I think this would be true of any soak, including water.

For metal just about anything works, they're some tough buggers.

In my area its called Super Clean, but its the same stuff. Its my prefered method of stripping a minature

As for stripping the model without harming the green stuff.. Its possible that if you time it right you can soften the paint with out harming the green stuff, I wouldn't recommend it though.

Question here, may make a separate thread if need be, but figured I'd try here first.

I've heard Simple Green doesn't really dent a gloss or matte finish, and I've just picked up some models with the purity seal thing, any suggestions on what to use to get that layer off at least?

I've used simple green and super clean, to generally good results. Even better if you sit the tub on top of your dryer while you run a load through. The heat and vibration really help. With a little scrubbing afterwards from a $2 electric toothbrush, most things come pretty clean except for the occasional scrap of paint still left in the deepest recesses. I've also soaked plastic models for a month or more after forgetting them, and they've come out fine.

There are also threads floating about touting the amazing stripping power of LA's Totally Awesome as well as ultrasonic cleaners. You might try looking around for those.

I'm an Englander, but I use the standard Tesco general cleaner. Soak them in that for a night, then if you rub them with a toothbrush it comes off really easily.

PS
Just reading that title made me laugh.

Lokirfellheart wrote:
Just reading that title made me laugh.

I went back to the top and read the title and laughed myself didn't realize it until you pointed it out.