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I realise this is a often posted topic, but I have read many of the threads already covering this topic. Having read these articles, I set away trying to strip a set of plastic tactical marines (2010 version in case there are differences in plastic), all painted and primed using citadel paints. I first attempted to use Isopropyl Alcohol which worked well initially, taking off all the brushed on layers of paint, but it failed to strip the sprayed on primer (Chaos Black). Having failed using this attempt, I immersed them in Brake Fluid overnight (which I was assured would work). The Brake fluid again took away all the brushed paint, but only took off limited amounts of the spray primer.

I have read in certain articles, and a Youtube Video, that a 50/50 mix of Fairy Power Spray (Oven Cleaner) would take off the paint. This would be my next attempt, however I was wondering if paint thinners would work? bearing in mind I don't wish to damage the detail or plastic would thinners be a viable option? Or are there any other methods I can use?

Any help would be much appreciated. Please bear in mind I am based in the UK so I won't be able to get any overseas products and it's the sprayed on primer that is my main concern. Thanks.

GUNZE T111, Mr. AQUEOUS ACRYLIC HOBBY COLOR THINNER 400 (400 ML)

The thinner for Gunze acrylics paints. Put a toothbrush into it and scrub the mini. After a while it will go through primer like a hot knife through butter.

Thinners like white spirit don't really work well on plastic. You can brush with them a bit, but too much exposure tends to turn plastic white and chalky.

I use a product called Biostrip20, that is my favourite, and I've posted about it here many times. There isn't anything that I haven't seen it budge. It usually strips things back to new in about an hour. One time I bought some miniatures off ebay that were painted in some weird purple stuff that went gloopy and was difficult to remove. But I just left them in it for about 3 days while I went away, and when I came back they were clean... didn't even need scrubbing.

Here are some links to other dakka topic about Biostrip if you are interested in reading more:

Full review here: http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/373819.page#2894733

Follow up review by GBDarkAngel: http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/374698.page#2910014

Another good follow up, with partial strips: http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/387259.page#3146907

Thanks for the quick replies

@Capamaru - I remember reading a thread in which you extolled the virtue of this product - depending on the price I may get some.

@Smacks - That stuff looks perfect! And you really can attest to it working as well as the video and photos suggest? Even for primer and acrylics?

Just use Power Spray on its own. I'll keep posting this in every UK thread with the same question!

 Warpig1815 wrote:
@Smacks - That stuff looks perfect! And you really can attest to it working as well as the video and photos suggest? Even for primer and acrylics?

Yeah acrylics should be no problem, it strips oils, varnish too. Some paints are tougher than others, or respond differently, so it can take a few cycles, but if you've got the time I don't think there is anything it won't get clean.

One word of caution though. I have left plastic miniatures submerged in it for maybe 4-5 days without any sign of the plastic being effected, it definitely doesn't attack plastic. However a couple of miniatures that I had previously tried (and failed) to strip using Pinesol did go a bit soft in Biostrip. Though I don't think it was the fault of the Biostrip. I think what happened is the plastic had been previously damaged by Pinesol (Pinesol does visibly damage plastic) and then the Biostrip was able to seep under the surface and make it soft again. It wasn't a big deal, they hardened up once rinsed and left to dry, but I wasn't able to scrub them.

I think the lesson here is not to use Pinesol. But I feel it is worth mentioning, since you have already soaked the minis in other chemicals. I don't have any experience with break fluid or what it does to plastic. I would test soak a few bits first to make sure they are okay. Just to be on the safe side.

 JohnnyHell wrote:
Just use Power Spray on its own. I'll keep posting this in every UK thread with the same question!

This is probably good advice. I have never used power spray, on account of having lots of Biostrip left. But the results I've seen do seem very similar. Might want to check out power spray first, on account of it being cheap and easy to get hold of. Some people might also tell you to use Dettol, Ignore those people. Dettol is an inferior product and the smell never goes away.

Dettol is brlliant for it see

http://limited-edition-warhammer.blogspot.co.uk/p/blog-page_27.html

i strip hundreds of pounds worth of plastic warhammer a week

the dettol can be bought for a couple of quid a bottle