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Question as subject. While stripping my first models, I noticed that most of the paint only comes off after I scrub it with a brush. Does this mean I can re use the simple green a few times?

You can, but it loses it's effectiveness over multiple uses.

Theophony wrote:You can, but it loses it's effectiveness over multiple uses.

I've noticed this too, if you try to strip too many models at once, it loses some effectiveness as well.

You should have no problem reusing it a few times. A good scrub with a soft brush is usually going to be required to get the majority of paint off. You might still have some remaining in the crevices, but repriming the model will hide that easily.

Another product I'd reccomend is Purple Power. It might be labeled as Castrol Super Clean. It's engine degreaser basically. You'll want to wear gloves, but it can be poured down the sink and I've found it works a lot better than Simple Green. About the same price as well

I agree with Arander about Purple Power. I've stripped hundreds of minis and I reuse my stripping agents many times. I use both a toothbrush and sometimes wire brushes

Also, I regularly separate some of the paint sediment out of my simple green, purple power or MEK (evil stuff, but strips metal like nothing else). I do this either by pouring most of it into a new container and dumping out the dross at the bottom or by pouring it through a cloth or coffee filter.

+1 Purple Power.

Find it at your local Dollar General on the cheap!

Agreed. Wear gloves unless you enjoy chemical burns.

Strips paint faster, and also great for stubborn cleaning projects around the house

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Not sure about stripping resin with it yet.... gonna have to research that one...

IF you do use Simple Green and you start to find that it has lost its effectiveness, run it through a fine strainer or an old pair of stockings or something similar.

It should take a lot of the old paint out of the simple green and improve it a little bit. You will eventually have to throw it out/replace it but you can improve its longevity.

Also with purple power, make sure you dispose of it correctly and do use it in a well ventilated area, it can be a bit toxic on the nose.