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Recently found some old models that I want to re-paint, they are plastic so I took to the Internet in search for the best way to remove the paint without damaging the models. There are a LOT of videos and tutorials for different countries,methods and cleaning products which got me thinking why has someone like games workshop or army painter released an official paint remover that is plastic friendly? Is ther not enough call for it? Is it a production or licenseing issue? Thought I would attach a poll to see overall what market response would be.

I think GW really need to look at this,although I think they never will as it probably boils down to health and safety issues.I can't see their legal department being too keen on a product that may put the company at risk if a little kid drinks it.
Some company needs to look at this simply because of all the risky products that are being used to strip minis/they may work but some are bloody dangerous to be honest.

People on Dakka should always remember that Dakka is open to a vast range of age groups;not all of us are responsible or careful! If you post to a reply to someone about how to strip minis you really need to stress the possible hazards that may go with the product.

Any thoughts on this,moderators?

This was also my first thought but they do liquid green stuff, glues and solvent products already which can all be quite harmful to younger people.

Point taken. Maybe it's because it would have to be a caustic solution? When you think of it,nearly all chemicals that are used as strippers are described as irritants,and after using various ones including safe to use ones only to find the skin peeling off my fingers(at one point I couldn't even pick anything up for three days,no grip!) I think their legal department would have something to say!
Anyone know what their inhouse painters use? I mean,they can't paint perfectly all of the time surely!

That is quite likely, and that is an excellent point what do the studio guys use they must have to clean some plastic minis from time to time.

I'd personally avoid a GW brand stripper but if a different company had one it'd be worth looking at.

Thing is, I keep pure alcohol about the place for cleaning anyway so it suits me for stripping paint. I'm also lucky enough not to have the issues others have with dettol etc causing skin irritation so I can use that without gloves.

I suspect the key reason GW have never released their own paint stripper is simply that they want people to buy new models, not re-paint old ones.

As for selling a new branded stripper specifically for figures, I suspect most old hands will stick with their Dettol and brake fluid (assuming they are still cheaper). Less experienced people on the other hand would be better customers. However they are also the group least likely to step outside the GW paddling pool and buy any 3rd party product.

Simple green has served me well. Zero damage to miniatures, even after DAYS in the bath to ensure loosening.

Oh yeah, that's just what we need, a bottle of "Citadel Isoprpyl alcohol" at 4x the price of regular Isopropyl alcohol...

 ZoBo wrote:
Oh yeah, that's just what we need, a bottle of "Citadel Isoprpyl alcohol" at 4x the price of regular Isopropyl alcohol...

Don't forget the random-word-generator name they'd give it though

Adeptus-death-purge-liquid-ium, £35.99 for 100ml

Il just go to the local drug store and pick up an obscene amount of 90+ % iso for a 10th of the price GW might charge thanks.

I think if army painter were to release instead of GW they may sell some then.

Several companies already do make hobby paint strippers.

http://www.testors.com/en/product-catalog/testors-brands/model-master/primers-top-coats-thinners-cleaners/paint-and-decal-remover

I use Dettol : [http://www.tesco.com/groceries/product/details/?id=255280109&gclid=CKz3xYfGl9ACFQsR0wod3OMIDg&gclsrc=aw.ds]


Beware this stuff smells a lot! Soak the models for ~ 30 minutes then use an old soft toothbrush to gently remove the paint. Make sure it doesn't get wet or the paint becomes sticky and a nightmare to get off. You may need to repeat multiple times depending on the thickness of the paint.

I've never had much luck getting the old undercoat sprays off with this method, only the potted paints.

I buy acetone SUBSTITUTE at 1€ per litre... Works super fast (just dip a model or toothbrush for 5 seconds, scrub for 10 seconds and repeat on next mini), has a semi pleasant smell and with a tootbrush and a bit of practice you can just remove the paint from part of the model (eg. you just want to remove paint from a sword etc) DOES'T DAMAGE PLASTIC and if you use it in small quantities you can just flush it after use... Not sure about exact chemical composition but I could check my bottle if any one needs to know After testing various substances it's what works the best for me

LAs totally Awesme cleaner is OK, but I had the problem of it not working on newer models, leaving the primer. but Primer is also a good places to start soooooooooooo
Same problem with Isopropyl Alchohol, why cant it remove krylon?

I've been looking for a good paint stripper that works with Metal, Plastic, and resin. I just got a ton of Necron stuff from one of my buddies and was wondering. How does Purple Power or Simple Green do? I've heard they're both good.

 hotsauceman1 wrote:
LAs totally Awesme cleaner is OK, but I had the problem of it not working on newer models, leaving the primer. but Primer is also a good places to start soooooooooooo
Same problem with Isopropyl Alchohol, why cant it remove krylon?

Is the Krylon primer either an enamel or a lacquer? IPA won't easily strip cured enamels and lacquers I don't think

spacemarine542 wrote:
I've been looking for a good paint stripper that works with Metal, Plastic, and resin. I just got a ton of Necron stuff from one of my buddies and was wondering. How does Purple Power or Simple Green do? I've heard they're both good.

Simple Green breaks the bond between the paint and the primer...so after a night sitting in it you simply brush off the paint with an old toothbrush and you can leave metal in for ages and plastics for a day or two. It may leave some primer, but a second bath will often get that as well. My Sisters PLOG has a photo with some Rhinos that spent only 8 hours in it and the results speak for themselves.

Hope that helps,

CB

 daemonish wrote:
Recently found some old models that I want to re-paint, they are plastic so I took to the Internet in search for the best way to remove the paint without damaging the models. There are a LOT of videos and tutorials for different countries,methods and cleaning products which got me thinking why has someone like games workshop or army painter released an official paint remover that is plastic friendly? Is ther not enough call for it? Is it a production or licenseing issue? Thought I would attach a poll to see overall what market response would be.

hey bud I recently experimented with some chemicals to remove paint and although it takes some days to work I find sugar soap crystals mixed with water remove paint layers without damaging the model( or making it rubbery) use a broken model to test it out but be warned it does take time and lots of scrubbing