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Hey everyone!

I have a model that I need to take apart. It was glued together in a way that does not promote ease of painting. If it were a metal model, I could just use nail polish remover to dissolve it, but that will not work with this mini. Any suggestions on what I can use to safely take it apart?

Thanks all!

is it primed/does it matter if it was stripped?

I would just throw it in the same stuff I strip paint with (I use simple green)

 BewareOfTom wrote:
is it primed/does it matter if it was stripped?

I would just throw it in the same stuff I strip paint with (I use simple green)

No it is not primed. Does simple green also dissolve super glue? I have always used LA Totally Awesome. It really does not dissolve super glue all that well in my experience.

No chemicals necessary. Freeze and thaw cycles will cause moisture in the CA to crystallize, weakening the bond. Pop the model in the freezer (overnight, if you aren't in a hurry), give it some time to warm up on the counter (cold plastic is brittle plastic), repeat if you've got time to spare and are dealing with fragile parts. The superglue bond should become brittle enough that you can snap the offending parts off with minimal force. CA glues have high tensile strength, but their shear strength is relatively low - whether you're popping a joint fresh or after freezing, always try to torque it instead of just pulling.

Try freezing it overnight, then remove and allow to thaw back to room temperature.

Superglue is a brittle bond and it encapsulates water molecules in its bond when it cures.
Freezing will expand the water molecule whilst not doing the same to the superglue, weakening the bond further.

Repeated freeze/thaw cycles may be needed.

I strip my minis in Purple Power or Clorox Greenworks Multisurface.
Both of which kill paint and superglue.

But I also suggest the freezer idea.

Freezer +1

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! I just took my dire avenger out of the freezer and the glue is not ready to let go just yet. Heard some cracking noise when I was adding torque, so back to the freezer for him.

Also... Let me find it here. Uncure, mine is labeled. It's just a thin clear liquid. Try R/C shops if your GW carrier doesn't have it.

Anyone every try using isopropyl alcohol to remove glue of their minis?